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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...nce-triggers-speculation-over-his-health.html
The failure of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, to appear in public for nearly three weeks has triggered renewed speculation over his health and the stability of his regime.
South Korea and governments around the region will be watching carefully to see whether Mr Kim takes part in a specially convened session of the North's rubber-stamp parliament today - and, if he does attend, they will be scrutinising his gait for clues as to his health.
"There have been lots of reports that Kim is not in good health, supported by video footage of him walking with a noticeable limp at an event in July and again earlier this month," Toshimitsu Shigemura, a professor at Tokyo's Waseda University and an authority on North Korean affairs, told The Telegraph.
"It was clear that he could not walk fast or in a straight line," he added.
Images released by North Korean state media have suggested that Mr Kim's weight has ballooned since he came to power after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011. That has been put down to the stress of his position combined with a love of fine food - including, according to some reports, a fondness for cheese that he developed while studying in Switzerland.
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"Another reason why Kim may be reluctant to appear in public is the ongoing power struggle inside the North Korean military, which means that the situation in Pyongyang is still unstable," Professor Shigemura said. "Or, there is the possibility that there has been some sort of accident."
There were reports early last year that Mr Kim was the target of an assassination attempt by disgruntled army officers. In the following months, there were a number of purges of senior members of the regime as Mr Kim attempted to consolidate his grip on power.
Mr Kim has not been seen in public since attending a concert on September 3 with his wife, Ri Sol-ju. In previous months, state media have played to the young dictator's desire to be in the spotlight, reporting on "field guidance" trips to factories, farms and military units dozens of times every month.
Kim Jong-il's sudden death was put down to high blood pressure and diabetes, apparently linked to his appreciation of expensive French brandy and fine cuisine.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...nce-triggers-speculation-over-his-health.html
The failure of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, to appear in public for nearly three weeks has triggered renewed speculation over his health and the stability of his regime.
South Korea and governments around the region will be watching carefully to see whether Mr Kim takes part in a specially convened session of the North's rubber-stamp parliament today - and, if he does attend, they will be scrutinising his gait for clues as to his health.
"There have been lots of reports that Kim is not in good health, supported by video footage of him walking with a noticeable limp at an event in July and again earlier this month," Toshimitsu Shigemura, a professor at Tokyo's Waseda University and an authority on North Korean affairs, told The Telegraph.
"It was clear that he could not walk fast or in a straight line," he added.
Images released by North Korean state media have suggested that Mr Kim's weight has ballooned since he came to power after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011. That has been put down to the stress of his position combined with a love of fine food - including, according to some reports, a fondness for cheese that he developed while studying in Switzerland.
Related Articles
North Korea appeals to White House to halt release of US comedy film 17 Jul 2014
North Korea takes case against Rogen film to UN 09 Jul 2014
North Korea 'threatens war' over Hollywood Kim Jong-un comedy film 26 Jun 2014
North Korea slams US film The Interview about Kim Jong-un 20 Jun 2014
Watch trailer for The Interview 20 Jun 2014
"Another reason why Kim may be reluctant to appear in public is the ongoing power struggle inside the North Korean military, which means that the situation in Pyongyang is still unstable," Professor Shigemura said. "Or, there is the possibility that there has been some sort of accident."
There were reports early last year that Mr Kim was the target of an assassination attempt by disgruntled army officers. In the following months, there were a number of purges of senior members of the regime as Mr Kim attempted to consolidate his grip on power.
Mr Kim has not been seen in public since attending a concert on September 3 with his wife, Ri Sol-ju. In previous months, state media have played to the young dictator's desire to be in the spotlight, reporting on "field guidance" trips to factories, farms and military units dozens of times every month.
Kim Jong-il's sudden death was put down to high blood pressure and diabetes, apparently linked to his appreciation of expensive French brandy and fine cuisine.
