The U.S. is monitoring reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong UnThe Hill's Coronavirus Report: Rep. Rodney Davis says most important thing White House can do on COVID-19 is give consistent messaging; US new cases surpass 50k for first time Is Kim Yo Jong North Korea's bridge to the future? How the US could respond to Russia's support of the Taliban MORE is in grave condition after undergoing surgery, a U.S. official told CNN on Monday.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, however, cited a government official there who said the reclusive leader was not seriously ill.
The conflicting reports come after Reuters cited a news outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors based in South Korea on Monday evening claiming Kim was recovering after a cardiovascular procedure.
“My understanding is that he had been struggling [with cardiovascular problems] since last August but it worsened after repeated visits to Mount Paektu,” one unidentified source told the South Korean news outlet.
The website also noted that Kim, 36, was not seen at recent celebrations on April 15 marking the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea's modern dictatorship.
The Daily NK report further claimed that Kim has faced health issues in recent months due to obesity, smoking and stress, according to Reuters.
The country recently conducted a weapons test on the eve of parliamentary elections in neighboring South Korea that reportedly were part of the birthday celebrations.
