SELF-ISOLATING

South Korea Says Kim Jong Un May Just Be Hiding From Virus

The dictator has not been seen in public since April 11, sparking rumors of his death.

Who could blame a paranoid 38-year-old not thought to be in tip-top health from keeping a low profile as the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the planet? South Korea now believes that a simple desire to avoid being exposed to the deadly virus may be behind dictator Kim Jong Un’s lack of visibility in recent weeks. South Korea’s Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul told lawmakers: “It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet have been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns.” However Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, which monitors North Korea, cast doubt on that narrative, saying: “If he is merely trying to avoid infection, it should theoretically be very easy to release photos or videos of a healthy-looking Kim.” North Korean state media have not reported on Kim Jong Un’s whereabouts since he presided over a meeting on April 11, but they have carried near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages.