Detail in new Kim Jong-un footage could explain his absence

A new video of Kim Jong-un has added to rumours his recent absence from public appearances was due to ill health.

The North Korean leader was reportedly seen for the first time publicly in three weeks at the completion ceremony for a fertiliser plant in Pyongyang on May 1.

A visible mark on Mr Kim’s wrist can be seen in Korean Central Television (KCTV) footage of the reported visit as he rides in an electric cart.

Medical experts told NK News, a US-based news outlet specialising in analysis of the hermit state, this mark on his arm, which was not seen during his last public outing on April 11, could be linked to a cardiovascular procedure.

A US professional said it appeared to be “a right radial artery puncture” and “about a week old”, but it was difficult to know for sure from the photo.

The professional explained the puncture was “often used for access to the coronary arteries for stent placement”.

Meanwhile, a South Korea-based surgeon told the publication the mark “looks more plausible to be a procedure or check-up mark from a procedure on a heart-related issue”.

But a third expert, Harvard Medical School assistant professor Jason H. Wasfy, did not agree with the puncture assessment, saying its placement was off.

Two of the experts did not think it was an intravenous mark.

Mr 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 if his death was to happen.

After the emergence of these new photos and footage, US President Donald Trump said he was "glad" about the reappearance of Mr Kim.

"I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" Mr Trump tweeted.

—With AFP

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