NO-SHOW

Kim Absent at Major N. Korea Event

Fuels speculation of leadership change.

Kim Jong Un was notably absent from the North Korean celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party on Friday, which he has attended for the prior three years. An official state media report did not include Kim on the list of dignitaries in attendance, but said Kim instead sent a flower basket to the event. His unexplained no-show adds fuel to the speculation that Kim’s days as North Korea’s leader are numbered. An official North Korea document from late last month admitted Kim suffered “discomfort.” He appeared more overweight and limping, suggesting poor health could impede his leadership. One source said Kim needed 100 days to recover from a pulled tendon. Others speculated a possible military coup had occurred or was attempted after the country reportedly imposed new travel bans. Kim hasn’t been seen performing public responsibilities since he attended a concert on September 3. In a seemingly unrelated outbreak, North and South Korea exchanged fire across their border on Friday.