North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has addressed an unusual predawn military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party.

North Korea holds anniversary parade: Kim Jong-Un addresses the nation

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday&nbsp;launched a&nbsp;80-day campaign to attain goals this year&nbsp;in every sector.

In a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim called upon his country&nbsp;to embark on the campaign&nbsp;before a congress decides to&nbsp;lay out a new five-year plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-has-just-passed-this-bizarre-order-about-kim-jong-un-328154">North Korea has just passed this bizarre order about Kim Jong-un</a>

The meeting comes during a difficult year for North Korea as the coronavirus pandemic puts more pressure on a economy hurt by recent storms and flooding.

"We have performed historical feats with our costly efforts, boldly overcoming unprecedentedly grave trials and difficulties this year, but we should not rest on our laurels,"&nbsp;state news agency KCNA said.

"We still face the challenges that cannot be overlooked and there are many goals we have to attain within this year."

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In August, Kim had announced that the ruling party will hold a congress in January to decide a new five-year plan, with a party meeting noting serious delays in improving the national economy.

Last year, Kim vowed to make a "frontal breakthrough" in the country's campaign to build a self-reliant economy in the face of tightening sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programmes.

Security officials were watching for signs that North Korea may use an upcoming holiday to unveil new weapons or test fire a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on October&nbsp;10, the 75th anniversary of the ruling workers party.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday launched a 80-day campaign to attain goals this year in every sector. In a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim called upon his country to embark on the campaign before a congress decides to lay out a new five-year plan.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday launched a 80-day campaign to attain goals this year in every sector. In a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim called upon his country to embark on the campaign before a congress decides to lay out a new five-year plan. Also read: North Korea has just passed this bizarre order about Kim Jong-un The meeting comes during a difficult year for North Korea as the coronavirus pandemic puts more pressure on a economy hurt by recent storms and flooding. "We have performed historical feats with our costly efforts, boldly overcoming unprecedentedly grave trials and difficulties this year, but we should not rest on our laurels," state news agency KCNA said. "We still face the challenges that cannot be overlooked and there are many goals we have to attain within this year." Also see: After wrecking Japan, Typhoon Haishen makes landfall in South Korea In August, Kim had announced that the ruling party will hold a congress in January to decide a new five-year plan, with a party meeting noting serious delays in improving the national economy. Last year, Kim vowed to make a "frontal breakthrough" in the country's campaign to build a self-reliant economy in the face of tightening sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programmes. Security officials were watching for signs that North Korea may use an upcoming holiday to unveil new weapons or test fire a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on October 10, the 75th anniversary of the ruling workers party.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un launches campaign to attain goals

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday&nbsp;North Korea's shooting of a South Korean official was "shocking" and "unpardonable".

North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire in what was likely an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

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Moon also ordered the South Korean military to highten their alert to protect the lives of citizens, Kang said.

The military said it sent a message on Wednesday&nbsp;to the North through the land border demanding explanations, but has not received any response yet.

North Korean officials had earlier closed the border along Kaesong city over coronavirus fears after an alleged North Korean defector who had fled to the neighbouring South three years ago crawled back into the country.

North Korean authorities have reportedly been issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus from entering the country. North Korea had closed the border with China back in January to prevent the outbreak of the virus.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday North Korea's shooting of a South Korean official was "shocking" and "unpardonable". North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire in what was likely an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday North Korea's shooting of a South Korean official was "shocking" and "unpardonable". North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire in what was likely an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. Also read: South Korean man strays in Pyongyang waters; shot & cremated by North Korea Moon also ordered the South Korean military to highten their alert to protect the lives of citizens, Kang said. The military said it sent a message on Wednesday to the North through the land border demanding explanations, but has not received any response yet. North Korean officials had earlier closed the border along Kaesong city over coronavirus fears after an alleged North Korean defector who had fled to the neighbouring South three years ago crawled back into the country. North Korean authorities have reportedly been issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus from entering the country. North Korea had closed the border with China back in January to prevent the outbreak of the virus.

South Korean president calls killing of official by North Korea 'unpardonable'

North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their&nbsp;curriculum.

Local newspapers reported that the new diktat on ‘greatness education’&nbsp;aims&nbsp;at “cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership”.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister,&nbsp;Kim Yo-jong, recently ordered changes to the “greatness education” curriculum at the country’s preschools and the new curriculum was handed down to preschools nationwide.

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“Greatness education” is aimed at cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership among the country’s children.

According to Seoul-based&nbsp;Daily&nbsp;NK, preschoolers aged five and six used to spend only 30 minutes a day learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

The updated curriculum, however, now has them spend a total of one and a half hours on “greatness education”: one hour is spent learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, while another 30 minutes is devoted to learning “revolutionary” music from the leaders’ childhoods.

“What is being taught in greatness education has changed somewhat,” the source said. “The amount of time spent on the supreme leader [Kim Jong-un]’s childhood is now twice that spent on the Suryong [Kim Il-sung] and the general [Kim Jong-il]’s childhoods.”

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The updated curriculum tells preschoolers that when Kim Jong-un was just five years old, he was a bright child who “rode a yacht, did target practice, and liked to read.”

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Preschoolers are typically in class for three hours from 9 am to 12 pm and have time set aside for physical education, play, and studying the Korean alphabet. Preschool teachers, however, are reportedly worried about how they will spend the extra time set aside for greatness education.

“The kids are almost at the point of becoming elementary school students, so parents tend to ask teachers to focus on studying the alphabet. The increase in time spent on the leaders, however, leaves less time for alphabet study, so parents will be unhappy,” the source said, based on comments made by some preschool teachers.

North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum.

North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum. Local newspapers reported that the new diktat on ‘greatness education’ aims at “cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership”. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, recently ordered changes to the “greatness education” curriculum at the country’s preschools and the new curriculum was handed down to preschools nationwide. “Greatness education” is aimed at cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership among the country’s children. According to Seoul-based Daily NK, preschoolers aged five and six used to spend only 30 minutes a day learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. The updated curriculum, however, now has them spend a total of one and a half hours on “greatness education”: one hour is spent learning about the childhoods of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, while another 30 minutes is devoted to learning “revolutionary” music from the leaders’ childhoods. “What is being taught in greatness education has changed somewhat,” the source said. “The amount of time spent on the supreme leader [Kim Jong-un]’s childhood is now twice that spent on the Suryong [Kim Il-sung] and the general [Kim Jong-il]’s childhoods.” Also read: Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report The updated curriculum tells preschoolers that when Kim Jong-un was just five years old, he was a bright child who “rode a yacht, did target practice, and liked to read.” × Preschoolers are typically in class for three hours from 9 am to 12 pm and have time set aside for physical education, play, and studying the Korean alphabet. Preschool teachers, however, are reportedly worried about how they will spend the extra time set aside for greatness education. “The kids are almost at the point of becoming elementary school students, so parents tend to ask teachers to focus on studying the alphabet. The increase in time spent on the leaders, however, leaves less time for alphabet study, so parents will be unhappy,” the source said, based on comments made by some preschool teachers.

North Korea has just passed this bizarre order about Kim Jong-un

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies in the United States said satellite images suggest that North Korea may be ready to test a medium-range submarine-based missile.

Satellite images suggests may be North Korea preparing to launch new missile

North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Typhoon Bavi had caused only minimal damage to the country after making landfall early on Thursday, state news media KCNA reported on Friday.

Kim, who visited South Hwanghae province southwest of Pyongyang, had issued an alert to prevent crop damage and casualties from the typhoon, which made landfall near the capital, dumping heavy rains and uprooting trees.

North&nbsp;Korea, which has also been stepping up efforts to combat the novel coronavirus, had referred to Typhoon Bavi as the No. 8 storm.

"He said that the scale of damage from Typhoon number&nbsp;8 is smaller than expected, adding that he had worried a lot and he feels it is fortunate to have that amount of damage," said KCNA, referring to Kim's remarks.

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Kim's visit came after the KCTV state television showed scenes of damage from the storm. Heavy rains earlier this month that caused flooding and damaged crops have raised concerns about food supplies in the isolated country.

Kim praised party officials for taking measures to reduce casualties and minimize damage from the storm. The state news agency did not give further details on the scale of the damage.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;reported no casualties from the storm, while some public facilities were damaged and some experienced power outage.

Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact in the North than in the South due to its creaking infrastructure.

The North is also vulnerable to flooding as many mountains and hills have long been deforested, allowing water to flow downhill unchecked.

International aid workers in the country are currently unable to travel outside Pyongyang due to restrictions authorities have imposed to guard against the coronavirus outbreak.

The North has yet to confirm a single case of the disease.

Three of the four officials accompanying Kim wore facemasks, while he did not, the Rodong Sinmun pictures showed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Typhoon Bavi had caused only minimal damage to the country after making landfall early on Thursday, state news media KCNA reported on Friday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Typhoon Bavi had caused only minimal damage to the country after making landfall early on Thursday, state news media KCNA reported on Friday. Kim, who visited South Hwanghae province southwest of Pyongyang, had issued an alert to prevent crop damage and casualties from the typhoon, which made landfall near the capital, dumping heavy rains and uprooting trees. North Korea, which has also been stepping up efforts to combat the novel coronavirus, had referred to Typhoon Bavi as the No. 8 storm. "He said that the scale of damage from Typhoon number 8 is smaller than expected, adding that he had worried a lot and he feels it is fortunate to have that amount of damage," said KCNA, referring to Kim's remarks. Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations Kim's visit came after the KCTV state television showed scenes of damage from the storm. Heavy rains earlier this month that caused flooding and damaged crops have raised concerns about food supplies in the isolated country. Kim praised party officials for taking measures to reduce casualties and minimize damage from the storm. The state news agency did not give further details on the scale of the damage. South Korea reported no casualties from the storm, while some public facilities were damaged and some experienced power outage. Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact in the North than in the South due to its creaking infrastructure. The North is also vulnerable to flooding as many mountains and hills have long been deforested, allowing water to flow downhill unchecked. International aid workers in the country are currently unable to travel outside Pyongyang due to restrictions authorities have imposed to guard against the coronavirus outbreak. The North has yet to confirm a single case of the disease. Three of the four officials accompanying Kim wore facemasks, while he did not, the Rodong Sinmun pictures showed.

North Korea leader Kim Jon-un says Typhoon Bavi caused 'little damage'

North Korea denounced Britain on Saturday for announcing sanctions against two organisations that the British government has said are involved in forced labour, torture and murder in North Korean prison camps.

The move against the two organisations, named as the Ministry of State Security Bureau 7 and Ministry of People's Security Correctional Bureau, is part of the first sanctions under Britain's new global human rights regime. Sanctions on 25 Russians and 20 Saudis were also announced.

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"Britain's latest move is a flagrant political plot to jump on the bandwagon of the United States' inimical policy," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement carried on state media KCNA.

"We strongly condemn and reject the UK's daring to impose sanctions on the institutions responsible for our country's security as violent interference in domestic affairs."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-unveil-sanctions-against-human-rights-violators-311071">UK to unveil sanctions against human rights violators</a>

Earlier, Dominic Raab had&nbsp;unveiled long-awaited UK government sanctions against human rights abusers in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Myanmar and North Korea.

The measures, announced by the foreign secretary on Monday, include asset freezes and travel bans and represent the first time the UK will alone name and penalise individuals and organisations accused of human rights abuses

North Korea and the United States have failed to find a compromise over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme or international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.

Recent North Korean statements, including one by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, have reiterated Pyongyang's objections to what it sees as hostile and self-serving policies of the United States.

North Korea denounced Britain on Saturday for announcing sanctions against two organisations that the British government has said are involved in forced labour, torture and murder in North Korean prison camps.

North Korea denounced Britain on Saturday for announcing sanctions against two organisations that the British government has said are involved in forced labour, torture and murder in North Korean prison camps. The move against the two organisations, named as the Ministry of State Security Bureau 7 and Ministry of People's Security Correctional Bureau, is part of the first sanctions under Britain's new global human rights regime. Sanctions on 25 Russians and 20 Saudis were also announced. Also read: UK imposes sanctions against Saudis, Russians for human rights violation "Britain's latest move is a flagrant political plot to jump on the bandwagon of the United States' inimical policy," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement carried on state media KCNA. "We strongly condemn and reject the UK's daring to impose sanctions on the institutions responsible for our country's security as violent interference in domestic affairs." Also read: UK to unveil sanctions against human rights violators Earlier, Dominic Raab had unveiled long-awaited UK government sanctions against human rights abusers in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Myanmar and North Korea. The measures, announced by the foreign secretary on Monday, include asset freezes and travel bans and represent the first time the UK will alone name and penalise individuals and organisations accused of human rights abuses North Korea and the United States have failed to find a compromise over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme or international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang. Recent North Korean statements, including one by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, have reiterated Pyongyang's objections to what it sees as hostile and self-serving policies of the United States.

North Korea denounces UK for sanctions against human rights abusers

Hours after Kim Jong Un's images of attending a public gathering published, US President Donald Trump said he is "glad" the North Korean leader is back and healthy.&nbsp;

"I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" the US president tweeted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-makes-first-public-appearance-after-nearly-three-weeks-296212">Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks</a>

The images shared by North Korean media showed Kim making a first public appearance after nearly three weeks, ending speculations over his critical health or possible death.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-health-matters-296259">Why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health matters</a>

North Korean state television showed Kim walking, laughing, and smoking a cigarette during the event held for the opening of a fertilizer factory on Friday in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang.&nbsp;

Earlier, rumours related to Kim's poor health started floating since he missed April 15 celebrations, the most important day in the North Korean political calendar. On April 15, Kim's grandfather and North Korea's founder was born.&nbsp;

There were some unconfirmed reports that even claimed Kim is dead.&nbsp;

However, officials from South Korea and the United States rejected these claims, including Trump.&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that Kim cut a ribbon at the inauguration ceremony on Friday and people attending it "burst into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!' for the Supreme Leader..."

Kim last appeared publicly on April 11, when he chaired a Workers' Party politburo meeting. &nbsp;

Hours after Kim Jong Un's images of attending a public gathering published, US President Donald Trump said he is "glad" the North Korean leader is back and healthy.

Hours after Kim Jong Un's images of attending a public gathering published, US President Donald Trump said he is "glad" the North Korean leader is back and healthy. "I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" the US president tweeted. Also read | Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks The images shared by North Korean media showed Kim making a first public appearance after nearly three weeks, ending speculations over his critical health or possible death. Also read | Why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health matters North Korean state television showed Kim walking, laughing, and smoking a cigarette during the event held for the opening of a fertilizer factory on Friday in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang. Earlier, rumours related to Kim's poor health started floating since he missed April 15 celebrations, the most important day in the North Korean political calendar. On April 15, Kim's grandfather and North Korea's founder was born. There were some unconfirmed reports that even claimed Kim is dead. However, officials from South Korea and the United States rejected these claims, including Trump. Earlier on Saturday, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that Kim cut a ribbon at the inauguration ceremony on Friday and people attending it "burst into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!' for the Supreme Leader..." Kim last appeared publicly on April 11, when he chaired a Workers' Party politburo meeting.

'Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three weeks

Amid speculation over poor health and rumours of possible death, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public appearance on Friday after almost three weeks with an inauguration of a fertilizer factory.

Kim cut the ribbon at the opening of a fertilizer factory, north's state-run KCNA reported on Saturday, adding "all the participants broke into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!'" when he appeared.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-rumours-of-kim-jong-uns-demise-intensify-un-denies-having-information-296010">As rumours of Kim Jong-un's demise intensify, UN denies having information</a>&nbsp;

Later, KCNA also published the images of Kim attending the ceremony in Sunchon, near the capital Pyongyang, along with other senior officials including his sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong.

<img alt="Kim Jong UN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a35325e0-7be7-4406-8d64-1f7749219ec2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20%281%29.jpg" />

(North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2nd L) visiting the completed Suchon phosphate fertilizer factory in South Pyongan Province | Photo Credit: AFP)

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-a-very-good-idea-about-kim-jong-uns-status-but-he-wont-talk-about-it-295191">Trump has 'a very good idea' about Kim Jong Un's status. But he won't talk about it</a>

Rumours about Kim's critical health started circulating after he skipped April 15 celebrations, the birthday of his grandfather and the founder of the country. The day is considered the most important in North Korea's political calendar. However, South Korea and the US rejected claims that the North Korean leader is dead.&nbsp;

<img alt="North Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7991822e-96ec-4953-ac6b-8426a49bc53e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage_0.jpg" />

(A ceremony to mark the completion of Sunchon phosphatic fertilizer factory in South Pyongan Province, North Korea | Photo Credit :&nbsp;AFP)

The images published in Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed the North Korean leader in his trademark black suit, smiling broadly and didn't give any impression of his poor health. &nbsp;

However, the authenticity of the photos could not be verified.&nbsp;

This was Kim's first public appearance since April 11, when he presided a Workers' Party politburo meeting. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Amid speculation over poor health and rumours of possible death, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public appearance on Friday after almost three weeks with an inauguration of a fertilizer factory.

Amid speculation over poor health and rumours of possible death, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public appearance on Friday after almost three weeks with an inauguration of a fertilizer factory. Kim cut the ribbon at the opening of a fertilizer factory, north's state-run KCNA reported on Saturday, adding "all the participants broke into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!'" when he appeared. Also read | As rumours of Kim Jong-un's demise intensify, UN denies having information Later, KCNA also published the images of Kim attending the ceremony in Sunchon, near the capital Pyongyang, along with other senior officials including his sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong. (North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2nd L) visiting the completed Suchon phosphate fertilizer factory in South Pyongan Province | Photo Credit: AFP) Also read | Trump has 'a very good idea' about Kim Jong Un's status. But he won't talk about it Rumours about Kim's critical health started circulating after he skipped April 15 celebrations, the birthday of his grandfather and the founder of the country. The day is considered the most important in North Korea's political calendar. However, South Korea and the US rejected claims that the North Korean leader is dead. (A ceremony to mark the completion of Sunchon phosphatic fertilizer factory in South Pyongan Province, North Korea | Photo Credit : AFP) The images published in Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed the North Korean leader in his trademark black suit, smiling broadly and didn't give any impression of his poor health. However, the authenticity of the photos could not be verified. This was Kim's first public appearance since April 11, when he presided a Workers' Party politburo meeting. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks

Nearly three weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's no-show at a key event sparked rumours he was seriously ill or even dead, state media published photos Saturday showing him in public.

Kim's conspicuous absence from the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the North's founder, sparked feverish speculation over his health and who would replace him at the helm of the nuclear-armed country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-makes-first-public-appearance-after-nearly-three-weeks-296212">Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks</a>

It is not the first time Kim has disappeared from public view. In 2014, he dropped out of sight for nearly six weeks before reappearing with a cane. Days later, South Korea's spy agency said he had undergone surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle.

Here is a look at why Kim's health has been the subject of so much conjecture.

Who is his successor?&nbsp;

Kim has been in power for nearly a decade and his death would have left Pyongyang facing an unplanned succession for the first time in its history.

Leadership has always been a family affair in the isolated North, dominated by the members of the "Paektu bloodline" -- a Northern term for the country's founder Kim Il Sung and his descendants.

Kim's three known children are still very young and there is no designated successor as far as the world is aware.

His younger sister Yo Jong -- one of his closest advisers -- is widely regarded as the top contender to succeed him but the North is a highly patriarchal society where seniority and gender both carry weight.

What happens to nuclear talks?&nbsp;

Kim is known in the North as the Supreme Leader and his authority spans the ruling Workers' Party and the military. All major decisions require his approval.&nbsp;

Kim's disappearance from public view came as Pyongyang's talks with Washington over the North's nuclear arsenal are at a standstill, despite three meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

If Kim were incapacitated or dead, it would have increased uncertainty over the process.

Analysts also say it could have led to a chaotic power struggle and triggered an exodus of refugees into China -- something the North's diplomatic backer and main trading partner Beijing has long feared.

"Kim's personal profile, family history, and the structure of the North Korean regime make his health a major variable for the country's stability and foreign policy," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP.

Why so many rumours?&nbsp;

North Korea is an unusually opaque country, where even economic growth figures are treated as a state secret.&nbsp;

Observers and even diplomats in Pyongyang rely heavily on the closely controlled state media for hints of what is going on. &nbsp;

Secrecy is strictest of all around the leadership and the absence of information creates ample room for speculation to flourish unchecked.

Kim was last seen presiding over a ruling party meeting on April 11. But four days later he missed the celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather -- the most important date in the North's political calendar -- sparking questions over his whereabouts.

Daily NK, a South Korea-based outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, reported Kim had undergone a cardiovascular procedure and was recovering at a villa in North Pyongan province.

Soon after CNN reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery, quoting an anonymous US official.&nbsp;

A Japanese report even said he was in a "vegetative state".

But a top security adviser to South Korea's president later told the broadcaster Kim was "alive and well". Trump also downplayed reports of Kim's poor health and possible demise.

"This incident is a reminder of how vulnerable we remain to groundless rumours about North Korea," former US government North Korea analyst Rachel Lee told AFP.

"We need more experts who can analyse North Korea using solid tradecraft."

Analysts say Kim is likely to make another public appearance in the coming days that will be reported by state media.&nbsp;

But an official explanation for his absence is unlikely. 
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Nearly three weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's no-show at a key event sparked rumours he was seriously ill or even dead, state media published photos Saturday showing him in public.

Nearly three weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's no-show at a key event sparked rumours he was seriously ill or even dead, state media published photos Saturday showing him in public. Kim's conspicuous absence from the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the North's founder, sparked feverish speculation over his health and who would replace him at the helm of the nuclear-armed country. Also read | Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks It is not the first time Kim has disappeared from public view. In 2014, he dropped out of sight for nearly six weeks before reappearing with a cane. Days later, South Korea's spy agency said he had undergone surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle. Here is a look at why Kim's health has been the subject of so much conjecture. Who is his successor? Kim has been in power for nearly a decade and his death would have left Pyongyang facing an unplanned succession for the first time in its history. Leadership has always been a family affair in the isolated North, dominated by the members of the "Paektu bloodline" -- a Northern term for the country's founder Kim Il Sung and his descendants. Kim's three known children are still very young and there is no designated successor as far as the world is aware. His younger sister Yo Jong -- one of his closest advisers -- is widely regarded as the top contender to succeed him but the North is a highly patriarchal society where seniority and gender both carry weight. What happens to nuclear talks? Kim is known in the North as the Supreme Leader and his authority spans the ruling Workers' Party and the military. All major decisions require his approval. Kim's disappearance from public view came as Pyongyang's talks with Washington over the North's nuclear arsenal are at a standstill, despite three meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump. If Kim were incapacitated or dead, it would have increased uncertainty over the process. Analysts also say it could have led to a chaotic power struggle and triggered an exodus of refugees into China -- something the North's diplomatic backer and main trading partner Beijing has long feared. "Kim's personal profile, family history, and the structure of the North Korean regime make his health a major variable for the country's stability and foreign policy," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP. Why so many rumours? North Korea is an unusually opaque country, where even economic growth figures are treated as a state secret. Observers and even diplomats in Pyongyang rely heavily on the closely controlled state media for hints of what is going on. Secrecy is strictest of all around the leadership and the absence of information creates ample room for speculation to flourish unchecked. Kim was last seen presiding over a ruling party meeting on April 11. But four days later he missed the celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather -- the most important date in the North's political calendar -- sparking questions over his whereabouts. Daily NK, a South Korea-based outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, reported Kim had undergone a cardiovascular procedure and was recovering at a villa in North Pyongan province. Soon after CNN reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery, quoting an anonymous US official. A Japanese report even said he was in a "vegetative state". But a top security adviser to South Korea's president later told the broadcaster Kim was "alive and well". Trump also downplayed reports of Kim's poor health and possible demise. "This incident is a reminder of how vulnerable we remain to groundless rumours about North Korea," former US government North Korea analyst Rachel Lee told AFP. "We need more experts who can analyse North Korea using solid tradecraft." Analysts say Kim is likely to make another public appearance in the coming days that will be reported by state media. But an official explanation for his absence is unlikely.

Why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health matters

North Korea has never publicized who would follow leader Kim Jong Un in the event he is incapacitated, and with no details known about his young children, analysts say his sister and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over. South Korean and Chinese officials on Tuesday (April 21) cast doubt on reports that Kim was gravely ill following a cardiovascular procedure, after his absence from a key state anniversary event triggered speculation about his health.

Is Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong a potential successor?

Reports about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill health have been circulating for the past week. The questions surfaced after he missed the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April. and later missed the Army Day celebrations on Friday. While there has been no guaranteed news or statement released by the officials, according to satellite images reviewed by a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, a special train probably belonging to the leader was spotted in a resort town.

Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town

North Korean weather agency developed a mobile phone application and website to provide meteorological information, state media reported on Wednesday (April 22).

North Korea develops weather forecasting program

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