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| North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits a fertilizer factory in Sunchon, South Pyongan Province, in this Friday photo released by the Korean Central News Agency, Saturday. / Yonhap |
By Kang Seung-woo
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's dramatic return to public view from a nearly-three-week hiatus, and despite a barrage of rumors surrounding his health, shows that obtaining a crumb of authentic information about the world's most secretive regime is still a tough nut to crack.
In addition, given that misinformation about the country could have unexpected and wide ramifications, divulging unconfirmed rumors and reports should be kept to a minimum, according to security experts.
On Saturday, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim had participated in a fertilizer factory completion ceremony in Sunchon, South Pyongan Province, the previous day. It also showed a video clip of him cutting the tape, smoking and talking with his staff from a green electric cart.
His approximately 20-day absence prompted rumors and unconfirmed reports that he was "gravely ill," incapacitated or had even died, although the South Korean government repeatedly said there were no unusual signs indicating the North Korean leader was in poor health.
Although first raised by some media reports citing sources familiar with the issue, the so-called "infodemic" was trumpeted by North Korean defector-turned-lawmaker-elects, who it was believed had reliable sources inside their old country.
"One thing is clear... he cannot stand up by himself or walk properly," Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat who was elected to the National Assembly last month, told CNN last week.
Along with the interview, Thae, who defected to South Korea in 2016, made headlines by claiming that his former boss was "not in a normal state."
Ji Seong-ho, another North Korean defector who won a parliamentary seat, went further, saying Friday, "I am 99 percent sure that the North Korean leader is dead after surgery," adding the North would announced Kim's death around the weekend.
Previously, Ji, an advocate for North Korean human rights after fleeing the totalitarian regime in 2006, said Kim was seriously ill, and as he might not resume his position a succession battle was already taking place there.
After Kim's return, Thae admitted his claim was wrong, but continued to speculate that he might have had minor health problems considering the electric cart in the photo which his father and former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il used after suffering a stroke. Ji also told a local news outlet that the South should not make any hasty conclusions about Kim's health but should watch to see how the situation developed.
Regarding their remarks, the unification ministry said their groundless claims triggered unnecessary confusion in society and cost for the nations' financial markets.
"When it comes to dealing with North Korea-related information, we need to take a more discreet approach," a ministry official said.
Cheong Wa Dae also expressed regret that Thae and Ji were still sticking with their claims that Kim has health problems, adding that the government has seen that the North Korean leader did not undergo surgery during his absence. Previously, local media here had reported that Kim had undergone cardiovascular surgery and was recuperating.
Regarding repeated suspicions and dubious reports about Kim's health, a government source said such rumors were the "wishful thinking" of people opposed to the Kim regime.
"Such thinking and speculation comes from people who believe their political goals will be attained when the North faces a contingency and undergoes changes," the official added.
Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies of Kyungnam University, said, "Mass production of unconfirmed reports on Kim's health condition may have adversely affected inter-Korean relations and issues on the Korean Peninsula.
"There needs to be a review on how fake news can have an influence on inter-Korean ties, North Korea and foreign policies, and other relevant matters, and how the government, the media and academic circle should respond to it," he added.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Kim's return to the public eye, Saturday.
"I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" Trump said in a retweet of photos of Kim at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the fertilizer plant.
On Friday, Trump also hinted that he may be talking to the North Korean leader on the weekend.
Despite remaining silent on Kim's whereabouts, he had downplayed reports of his poor health and possible demise.
Trump and Kim have met three times for talks on North Korea's denuclearization, diplomatic recognition and the easing of sanctions, with the last being an impromptu meeting held at the truce village of Panmunjeom, June 30, 2019.
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