Is Kim Jong Un Really Dead? By Jack Maraziti
As we all know, the activities of North Korea are often disconnected and unknown to the rest of the world. Due to restrictions on freedom of the press and many other strict human right implications, North Korea is able to control what information they want publicized, and the information that they do not. Even some of the most powerful intelligence agencies have trouble breaching "Mr. Kim's inner circles," according to the New York Times. Now, as Kim Jong Un was absent from a popular North Korean celebration as well as not being seen in days, it is natural for rumors to spread like wild-fire. One of the predominant rumors claims that Kim Jong Un is now in critical condition and possibly dead after a failed heart surgery. Another, more recent article, released by Fox News, indicates that he was injured at a missile test launch. But, is this true, and if so, what does the future hold in reference to political decisions.
The leading piece of evidence that points to something being wrong with Kim Jong Un, is that he has been absent and out of sight for over 2 weeks. He first missed his the celebration of his grandfather's, Kim Il Sung's, birthday on April 15th. Kim Jong Un has never not attended this vast North Korean celebration in all of the years he has been in power. Furthermore, he missed the celebration of the Korean People's Army in the days following. In corroboration, reports from an unnamed source within North Korea state that Kim Jong Un had underwent surgery at the Hyangsang Medical Center. Additionally, Chinese health officials have been dispatched to oversee Kim Jong Un's recovery, according to the Washington Post. These two major absences, along with some partially reliable sources, have allowed the media to begin speculating about Kim's health. CNN claims that Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure resulting from "excessive smoking, obesity, and overwork." Another more recent article, provided by Fox News' Gordon Chang, states that "Kim may have been wounded in 'an accident on April 14 when North Korea launched a barrage of cruise missiles.'" Chang adds that this may be reliable information due to the fact of the date and another break-up in usual events. First, there was a missile test scheduled for April 14, and this happens to be the date when Kim Jong Un became absent, one day before the celebration of his grandfather's birthday. Secondly, there is usually a picture of Kim Jong Un at the missile test sight released in the press. However, no such picture was found corresponding with this launch date. Therefore, a missile injuring Kim could be a potential possibility.
Aside from the rumors, there is not yet any concrete evidence suggesting that Kim is indeed dead or in grave health. Nevertheless, experts are still looking into what the future may hold if there is a transfer of power in North Korea. Many hope that a change in power will bring about a time of greater peace and more human rights for the citizens of North Korea. After a Fox interview with Senator Gardner, high hopes of a modernized, prosperous, and free North Korea seem possible if this new leader agrees to international regulations and laws. Gardner states that it is because Kim Jong Un has been non-compliant with international law and the United Nations that North Korea is suffering. One potential leader is Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong. Hopefully, under this new leadership, more stable and greater lives will be brought to the citizens of North Korea.
With the speculation of Kim Jong Un's death, hope of a better, less hostile North Korea are foreseeable in the future. If new leadership allows for peace with neighboring South Korea, and provides basic freedoms to its citizens, relations would grow tremendously and allow for a more unified world. This incident has the potential to better the lives of many.
The leading piece of evidence that points to something being wrong with Kim Jong Un, is that he has been absent and out of sight for over 2 weeks. He first missed his the celebration of his grandfather's, Kim Il Sung's, birthday on April 15th. Kim Jong Un has never not attended this vast North Korean celebration in all of the years he has been in power. Furthermore, he missed the celebration of the Korean People's Army in the days following. In corroboration, reports from an unnamed source within North Korea state that Kim Jong Un had underwent surgery at the Hyangsang Medical Center. Additionally, Chinese health officials have been dispatched to oversee Kim Jong Un's recovery, according to the Washington Post. These two major absences, along with some partially reliable sources, have allowed the media to begin speculating about Kim's health. CNN claims that Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure resulting from "excessive smoking, obesity, and overwork." Another more recent article, provided by Fox News' Gordon Chang, states that "Kim may have been wounded in 'an accident on April 14 when North Korea launched a barrage of cruise missiles.'" Chang adds that this may be reliable information due to the fact of the date and another break-up in usual events. First, there was a missile test scheduled for April 14, and this happens to be the date when Kim Jong Un became absent, one day before the celebration of his grandfather's birthday. Secondly, there is usually a picture of Kim Jong Un at the missile test sight released in the press. However, no such picture was found corresponding with this launch date. Therefore, a missile injuring Kim could be a potential possibility.
Aside from the rumors, there is not yet any concrete evidence suggesting that Kim is indeed dead or in grave health. Nevertheless, experts are still looking into what the future may hold if there is a transfer of power in North Korea. Many hope that a change in power will bring about a time of greater peace and more human rights for the citizens of North Korea. After a Fox interview with Senator Gardner, high hopes of a modernized, prosperous, and free North Korea seem possible if this new leader agrees to international regulations and laws. Gardner states that it is because Kim Jong Un has been non-compliant with international law and the United Nations that North Korea is suffering. One potential leader is Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong. Hopefully, under this new leadership, more stable and greater lives will be brought to the citizens of North Korea.
With the speculation of Kim Jong Un's death, hope of a better, less hostile North Korea are foreseeable in the future. If new leadership allows for peace with neighboring South Korea, and provides basic freedoms to its citizens, relations would grow tremendously and allow for a more unified world. This incident has the potential to better the lives of many.
Sources:
- https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/26/asia/kim-jong-un-north-korea-health-intl/index.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/26/world/asia/kim-jong-un-absence-north-korea.html
- https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/25/china-sends-team-medical-experts-advise-condition-/
- https://www.foxnews.com/media/gordon-chang-reports-kim-jong-un-wounded-missile-test
- https://www.foxnews.com/media/cory-gardner-north-korea-kim-jong-un-medical-state
- https://www.foxnews.com/world/kim-jong-un-north-korea-health-update-human-rights
There's so many memes coming out of this current event.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what actually is going on with him and if his sister might actually take over.
ReplyDeleteWe were just talking about this and tit's so odd and interesting. I hope that if someone new takes over, they are more peaceful.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is crazy!
ReplyDeleteI don't think he is actually dead.
ReplyDeleteI think this topic is really interesting!! It's so hard to know what's going on in North Korea because of how secret they are about everything!
ReplyDeletehttps://vm.tiktok.com/vQfy7f/ (Nick made this, I think it has like 150k views)
It will be interesting to see how it all turns out.
ReplyDeleteWow I haven't really been looking at the news, but I never expected something like this to be in it.
ReplyDelete