The US intelligence agencies are receiving information that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is in grave danger after undergoing surgery. According to a report in CNN, he U.S. was monitoring intelligence reports that Kim is in critical condition. Earlier Monday, a South Korean media report said that the 36-year-old despot was being treated following a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month.
The Unification Ministry said Friday it was "inappropriate" to speculate about the reasons for Kim's absence. Kim has made 17 public appearances this year that were mentioned in state media -- at a pace of a little more than one a week -- the ministry said. That's slightly down from 84 public appearances last year. The reclusive leader missed the celebration of his grandfather’s birthday, the nation’s founder, Kim II Sung, on April 15, sparking speculations about his health. The diminutive dictator’s health has deteriorated in recent months due to heavy smoking, obesity and overwork, the report said. North Korea has been battling to prevent a coronavirus outbreak, which has led to cutting back on celebrations and some other major events and for cadres to appear in protective masks in public events with Kim.