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                No Sign of Kim Jong Un on Important Anniversary

   by VOA News

   Speculation over the health and political status of Kim Jong Un
   intensified Friday, as the North Korean leader remained out of public
   view on an important anniversary for the secretive, communist nation.

   The 31-year-old Kim has not been seen in public since he attended a
   concert September 3, prompting speculation he is suffering from serious
   health problems or was sidelined in a coup.

   State media, which normally provide a near-daily account of the
   activities of the North Korean leader, have offered few clues, except
   for mentioning in passing that the leader is experiencing "discomfort."

   Analysts say an important hint could be offered Friday, the 69th
   anniversary of the founding of the ruling Korean Worker's Party. For
   the past two years, Kim has marked the event with a midnight visit to
   the mausoleum of his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

   As of midday North Korea time, state news outlets had not reported on
   any such visit. In the past, a report was issued within a few hours.

   South Korea's government on Friday insisted Kim appears to be "ruling
   normally." Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-cheol also said
   Seoul has no information that could confirm the state of his health.

   Lim said the assessment is based on greetings sent to Seoul officials
   by a senior North Korean delegation that made a surprise visit to South
   Korea last week.

   The delegation was led by Hwang Pyong So, believed to be Kim's number
   two. Many said this could indicate Kim was sidelined. Others said it
   proved there have been no changes in leadership.

   South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said earlier this week that
   intelligence indicated the North Korean leader was staying "at a
   certain place north of Pyongyang." He offered no other details.

   In July, the portly Kim was seen awkwardly limping across a stage at a
   ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the death of his grandfather,
   the country's founding president.

   Shortly thereafter, a state media documentary mentioned in passing that
   the leader, regarded by many North Koreans as an almost divine figure,
   was experiencing unspecified "discomfort."

   South Korean media have reported Kim suffers from gout - which runs in
   the family - in addition to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and
   diabetes, all related to obesity and his reported fondness for imported
   cheese.

   Kim has gained a large amount of weight since he took over as the
   country's top leader following the unexpected death of his father in
   2011.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/no-sign-of-kim-jong-un-important-anni
   versary/2479050.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/no-sign-of-kim-jong-un-important-anniversary/2479050.html