Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public for nearly two months, raising questions about his whereabouts and health. The North Korean leader has skipped multiple high-profile events, including the 73rd anniversary of the end of the Korean War, and has not appeared at any new building openings or public gatherings.
Last known sighting and growing absence
The last available images of Kim Jong-un show him meeting with Chinese counterparts in North Korea, dated June 9. Since then, there has been almost total silence, with some media reports noting that images of him have disappeared from official channels. His last appearance at a mass public gathering was in late March.
Earlier this week, Kim was notably absent from three significant events: an inspection of the Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive Complex in Pyongyang, the opening of a "schoolchildren's palace" in Nampho, and a response to a US-led naval exercise. Premier Pak Thae-song attended the locomotive complex inspection in his place, while his absence from the school opening remained unexplained.
Official statements and speculation
During the naval exercise controversy, a North Korean spokesman, cited as a "military commentator," criticized the exercise, saying it "proves that RIMPAC, the largest-ever naval drill in the world, is, in fact, a war rehearsal of aggression led by the US, Japan and the ROK." The spokesman also noted that the deputy commander of the US Pacific Fleet had stated that the commanding role of South Korea and Japan was for actual operations, not symbolic.
Speculation about Kim's absence has ranged from avoiding the summer heat, given his size, to more serious theories. Temperatures in North Korea are expected to reach 37°C with around 59% humidity this week, which could be a factor. However, his lack of appearances on TV or at internal meetings has fueled rumors, though there is currently no confirmation of any health issues or other explanations.
