South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yoon Chul said today, Tuesday, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may have missed an important event on April 15 to avoid being infected with the Coronavirus, not because he is ill.
In the light of the strict measures taken by Pyongyang to prevent an outbreak, Kim's absence from the celebrations is not unnatural, the Unification Minister told Parliament.
He added in a parliamentary session, "It is true that he has not lost sight of the birth of Kim Il Sung since he took office, but many events have been canceled, including celebrations and a banquet on the occasion of the anniversary due to concerns about the Corona virus."
The minister said that Kim had been out of sight at least 20 days twice since mid-January. "I don't think this is unusual, especially given the current situation" in which the Coruna virus is spreading, he added.
North Korea said it had not recorded confirmed cases of corona.
The absence of the North Korean leader from public celebrations on the birthday of his grandfather and country founder Kim Il Sung was unprecedented. He has not been seen in public since, sparking speculation about his health for days.
South Korean officials confirm that they have not detected any unusual movements in the northern part, and warned against drifting into rumors that Kim might be ill.