On Thursday, state run media confirmed that Kim Jong Un is experiencing discomfort.
Kim Jong Un has been missing from the public eye since September 3, where he was last seen with his wife at a concert. Kim’s absence has been noticed particularly because of the duration of his absence as well as the importance of the events he has missed. One such example is the Supreme People’s Assembly.
In certain footage released by state media, Kim Jong Un can be seen limping. Although the action is not exaggerated, an irregularity can be seen in his step.
Although the details of his discomfort are not known, there are speculations from various sources. South Korean analysts believe that he is suffering from arthritis or gout. A Korean Newspaper called Joongang Daily suspects that he has a leg injury, perhaps due to a physical activity.
Others believe that his discomfort may come as a result of being overweight. Since he assumed leadership pictures of Kim Jong Un clearly show a significant weight gain.
A South Korean news agency called Yohnhap was told by an anonymous source that Kim is, “suffering from gout, along with hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Kim Jong Un’s father and grandfather both suffered from diabetes. Kim Jong Il, the grandfather of the current leader of North Korea, died of heart failure back in 2011. This brings many to believe that his current illness is hereditary.
Despite the peculiarity of this 3-week absence, this is not the first time the leader has been missing from the public eye for an extended period of time. In March and June of 2012 he was not seen for about the same period of 3 weeks.
Although there are many speculations, Kim Jong Un’s exact status is unknown. During his absence, previously recorded footage of the leader is played on state run televisions.
