Kim Jong-il No Appearance in North Korean Media Over the Last 41 Days

North Korea (N.K.) media finally reported the actions of N.K. leader Kim Jong-il over the last 41 days

According to Asahi Shinbun, the North Korean’s Central News Agency reported on October 20 that Kim Jong-il had inspected the farm under the 534 unit of the North Korean People`s Army. However the specific time of inspection was not mentioned.

After Kim Jong-il had participated in the 55th anniversary of N.K.’s founding, all N.K. media did not report his whereabouts, and he didn’t meet any foreign personnel. Therefore, the rumor spread that he was seriously ill.

Kim Jong-il’s actions have not been reported for 50 days, from mid-February to early April.

Hun-Joo Cho hanscho@donga.com