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Intelligence report: Kim Jong Un in grave danger after a surgery [Video]

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:


  • An intelligence report being monitored by the US indicates that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is in critical condition after undergoing a surgery.
  • According to South Korean agency Daily NK, Kim had reportedly undergone a cardiovascular system procedure on April 12 because of “excessive smoking, obesity and overwork,” but South Korean officials are still looking for more details.
  • Kim’s health status made US officials worry about the state of US-South Korean alliance, but President Donald Trump on Monday said that they have a “great relationship” with South Korea.

An intelligence being monitored by the United States indicates that Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, is in a crucial condition after undergoing a surgery — according to a US official with firsthand knowledge.

The US has been keeping an eye on Kim’s health, another source who knew the report told CNN.

Kim failed to attend the birth anniversary of Kim II Sung — his grandfather and North Korea’s founding father — on April 15. His unavailability to attend the celebration, which is the country’s most important holiday, increased speculation about the leader’s well-being. Kim was last seen in public on April 11.

Concerns about Kim’s health are above board but the situation is hard to determine, another US official told CNN on Monday.

US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien said the country is “keeping a close eye” on intelligence regarding Kim’s health.

According to Daily NK — a South Korean online newspaper that focuses on North Korea — Kim had reportedly undergone a cardiovascular system procedure on April 12, for his “excessive smoking, obesity and overwork.” He is now being taken care in a villa in Hyangsan County.

The reports on Kim’s health are known among South Korean top leaders, a South Korean source told CNN on Monday. However, the leaders cannot verify the details posted by the Daily NK and are waiting for more information.

CNN had reached out to the National Security Council and Office of the Director of National Intelligence, but the agencies declined to comment. CNN also requested for comment from the CIA and the State Department.

Meanwhile, a third credible source told CNN that US officials who have studied the Kim regime have been trying to coordinate with North Korean experts to discuss contingency planning. However, the challenge of getting information from North Korea keeps the situation vague for the US.

The status of Kim’s health worried US officials about the state of US-South Korean relations, but President Donald Trump said on Monday that US keeps a “great relationship” with South Korea — though he added that South Korea should pay more for the US’ military presence deployed in South Korea. Both countries missed multiple deadlines for these negotiations, which were further delayed because of the virus outbreak.

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Source: CNN.com

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