Kim may be sheltering from virus: South Korea minister

Fear of the coronavirus could have been keeping North Korean leader Kim Jong Un out of public sight, a South Korean minister and sources from the United States said on Tuesday, following intense speculation and concern as to his whereabouts and health.

Under Kim’s rule since 2011, North Korea has expanded its arsenal of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, and with no obvious successor, any change in leadership in the secretive, authoritarian state would raise concerns about instability that could impact other North Asian countries and the U.S.

Speculation about Kim’s health erupted after his unprecedented absence from April 15 celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.

South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon- chul, who oversees engagement with North Korea, said it was plausible Kim that decided against attending due to the coronavirus, given stringent steps his government has taken to head off an outbreak.

“He had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns,” the minister told a parliamentary hearing.

“I don’t think that’s particularly unusual given the current ( coronavirus) situation,” the minister said, although North Korea has said it has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus.