(Photo: KCNA/via REUTERS/File Photo/Third party image/REUTERS unable to independently verify image/No third party sales/South Korea out)
South Korean officials disclosed to CNN on Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well" in the midst of growing speculations that he passed away or is in serious condition after undergoing a heart surgery.
Rumors that have been making the rounds on social media and various news sites over the weekend have led many to think that Kim's sister, Kim Joy Young, will succeed him as the next head of the reclusive nation.
According to Moon Chung-in, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's top foreign policy adviser, their government stance is firm and that Kim Jong Un is alive and well.
Kim, Chung-in said, has been staying at the east coast resort town of Wonsan since April 13 and that no "suspicious activities" have so far been monitored from the area.
Speculation about Kim's unsuccessful heart procedure escalated over the weekend after unverified reports about a visit by a team of Chinese medical experts as well as movements of a special train reportedly belonging to the North Korean leader.
A train that looks like one being used by North Korean public and military officers was spotted in Wonsan, an analysis of satellite photos released Sunday by 38 North, showed. A key South Korean adviser also junked rumors that Kim was very sick, or has died.
United States, Chinese and South Korean officials have all challenged reports that Kim is severely ill following his reported heart surgery. Based on a Reuters report Friday, an unnamed South Korean source stated that intelligence data suggest Kim is alive, and is expected to make a public appearance soon.
Kim is said to be a heavy smoker and also seemed to have gained a lot of weight since he took power in 2011 after the demise of his father, Kim Jong Il.
Kim has not made any public appearance in state media in the last two weeks. He also missed the April 15 birthday celebrations for his late grandfather, North Korean state founder Kim Il Sung, for the first time.
In 2014, Kim made a 40-day absence from public view. He resurfaced and appeared to be limping and using a cane, while the hermit state's media reported Kim had "an uncomfortable medical condition." More recently, he kept a low profile for almost three weeks in February this year.
The ruling family is also believed to have a history of heart issues. Kim's father, and his grandfather reportedly died from cardiac arrest.
Meanwhile, Kim's sister is said to command a lot of respect from the country's top military officials and seemed to have obtained more authority after being named as an alternate member of North Korea's Politburo. Sources said she could be the possible successor to Kim in the event of his demise.
