Pyongyang’s tight rein on the flow
of intelligence means the outside
world knows little about the
missing ruler.
Kim Jong-un has not been seen in
public for more than two weeks, yet the
world has few clues as to the North
Korean leader’s whereabouts or the
state of his health.
Even Donald Trump, arguably the one
person outside North Korea who might
have been expected to shed light on the
mystery surrounding his “friend”, did
little to end the speculation on Monday
when he claimed to have a “very good
idea” about how Kim was faring.
“I can’t tell you exactly,” Trump told
reporters at the White House. “Yes, I do
have a very good idea, but I can’t talk
about it now. I just wish him well.”
Trump, who has
met Kim three times
and claims to have
developed a
personal rapport,
suggested that all
would be revealed
soon. “I hope he’s
fine. I do know how he’s doing,
relatively speaking. We will see – you’ll
probably be hearing in the not too
distant future.”
Trump’s ambiguity may have been
informed by diplomatic caution or by
the simple fact that, like everyone
beyond Kim’s inner circle of advisers,
he has no idea.
The secrecy that dictates every official
pronouncement emanating from North
Korea makes it virtually impossible to
construct a definitive account of the
state of its leadership, including the
health of members of the Kim dynasty.
The country’s previous leader – and
Kim’s father – Kim Jong-il , had been
dead for almost two days before
confirmation came from the state-run
Korean Central News Agency.
Even neighbouring South Korea has
been unable to create a reliable
intelligence network, according to Du
Hyeogn-cha, a senior researcher at the
Asan Institute for Policy Studies in
Seoul.

Dead or Alive, HE SHOULD DESIST FROM NUCLEAR WEAPON ACTIVITIES...IT IS NOT SAFE FOR NOT ONLY HIS ENEMIES BUT FOR HIMSELF TOO...