'NK leader's aunt still alive': Gov't official

By Yi Whan-woo

Kim Kyong-hui

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, is still alive although she is “in a vegetative state,” according to a government official Wednesday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, rejected growing speculation that Kim, 68, either died by natural causes or was executed by her nephew.

The official, however, said her health has deteriorated after stepping down from all posts in the tyrannical state.

“Kim Jong-un executed Jang Song-thaek, but he is taking care of his aunt and letting her live,” the official said.

Jang was Kim’s late husband. He was also once the reclusive state’s No. 2 man.

In December 2013, North Korea stripped Jang of all his titles and executed him on several charges, including treason, factionalism, corruption and sexual misconduct.

It was speculated that Jang was seen as a threat to Kim who took the regime’s leadership after his father Kim Jong-il died in December 2011.

“Kim Kyong-hui was shocked by the purge of Jang and has been in serious condition since then, both physically and mentally,” the official said.

“She is also an alcoholic and has shown symptoms of dementia

“For Kim Jong-un, he has no reason to kill his aunt, who has only a slim chance to live healthy,” he added.

His remark came after the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on Wednesday dismissed rumors that Kim Kyong-hui was poisoned to death.

Citing a former North Korean defector, only identified as “Park,” CNN reported Tuesday that Kim Jong-un ordered she be poisoned and killed in May of last year.

The U.S. media outlet also referred to various reports that suggested that Kim Kyong-hui had a fatal stroke, heart attack, committed suicide or was in a vegetative state after undergoing surgery for a brain tumor.

Kim Jong-un has carried out purges as a way to consolidate his power.