A South Korean spy agency has denied rumours about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's illness, and his alleged heart surgery, stating that he is ruling the republic and is completely stable.
The NIS stated that he had no health problems related to his heart, adding that even a mild procedure for the aforementioned ailment would require four to five weeks of rehabilitation.
The North Korean leader's absence from an annual event marking the April 15 birth anniversary of his late grandfather Kim Il-sung sparked rumours about his ill health. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed in a closed-door briefing of lawmakers that the reason behind the leader's sporadic public appearance could be due to the coronavirus pandemic or his focus on domestic affairs, South Korean news outlet Yonhap News Agency reported.
"At least, it is judged that Kim did not receive surgery or a medical procedure related to his heart," a representative of the ruling party in South Korea stated.
The North Korean leader was recently seen at an event with several senior North Korean officials, including his sister Kim Yo Jong. The state media also released images of the Supreme leader cutting a ribbon to inaugurate a fertiliser factory.
The state news agency also added that Kim was satisfied with the factory's production system, and lauded the country's chemical industry and food production for its contribution towards the progress of the country.
His appearance in front of the state media would be the first since April 12. However, the North Korean report could not be confirmed by independent journalists.
World media has been rife with reports suggesting the North Korean leader's ill health after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure at a hospital on April 12.
CNN had reported that Kim was in "grave danger", citing unnamed US officials who reportedly told the publication that "the concerns about Kim's health are credible but the severity is hard to assess."
Several South Korean media reports also corroborated that the speculations over Kim's supposed "grave health" conditions were fueled by the fact that the North Korean leader was absent from a key anniversary event earlier this month.
Speculation has been rife about what happened to Kim since he apparently skipped an annual visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the occasion of the 108th birthday of his late grandfather and state founder Kim Il-sung on April 15.
