North Korea has finally admitted that the country’s dictator, Kim Jong-un, 31, is sick — sort of, anyway.
The nation released a statement saying Mr. Kim was suffering from “discomfort,” Reuters reported. The admission came on the heels of a long disappearance of Mr. Kim from the public sector.
His absence has been especially curious given his frequent leading role at government events. Mr. Kim’s not been photographed since Sept. 3, when he attended a concert with his wife, Reuters reported.
He’s also reportedly been walking with a limp since July and was portrayed in one recent propaganda video as having struggles with his gait.
“Based on his gait, it appears he has gout — something [due to] diet and genetic predisposition that has affected other members of the Kim family,” said Michael Madden, an expert on the North Korean leadership, Reuters reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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