Kim Jong-owned train spotted amid health rumours

SEOUL: A train likely belonging to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been parked at his compound on the country’s east coast since last week, satellite imagery showed, amid speculation about his health that has been caused, in part, by a long period out of the public eye.

The satellite photos released by 38 North, a website specializing in North Korea studies, don’t say anything about Kim’s potential health problems, and they echo South Korean government intelligence that Kim is staying outside of the capital, Pyongyang. Seoul has also repeatedly indicated that there have been no unusual signs that could indicate health problems for Kim.

That hasn’t stopped growing rumors about Kim’s health. Many experts said North Korea won’t likely face an immediate turmoil as someone else like his sister Kim Yo Jong will step in.

Kim Jong Un’s train has been parked at Leadership Railway Station servicing his Wonsan compound since at least April 21, the 38 North website said Saturday, citing an analysis of recent satellite photos. The website said the approximately 250-metre (820-foot)-long train wasn’t present on April 15 but was present on both April 21 and 23.

“The train’s presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health, but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country’s eastern coast,” it said. The photos indicate the train arrived before April 21 and was still there on April 23, when it appeared to be repositioned for departure. However, there was no indication when it might depart, 38 North said.