Name: Kim Jong-un’s wife disappears from public view amid 'fears for her health'
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Kim Jong-un’s wife disappears from public view amid 'fears for her health'

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There are three main rumours about the disappearance of Ri Sol-ju, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's 31-year-old wife, who hasn't been seen for nine months since she was pictured with a relative thought to have been executedVideo Unavailable wife hasn't been seen in public for nine months, sparking speculation that her mysterious absence is due to a health issue or the pandemic. North Koreans are quietly wondering what has happened to Ri Sol-ju and three main "rumours" are spreading within the country, it is reported. The 31-year-old, who has recently missed important national events, was last pictured by state media on January 25 when she appeared by her dictator husband's side at a Lunar New Year performance at a theatre in Pyongyang. The couple were seen sitting next to Kim's 74-year-old aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, who had not appeared in public for more than six years after helping him rise to power, sparking speculation that she had been purged or executed.Kim Jong-un executed her husband, Jang Song-thaek, 67, in December 2013 after he seized control of the country following the death of his father Kim Jong-il, 70, in December 2011. As for Kim's wife Ri, whose official title is "respected first lady" in state media reports, she was not shown at North Korea's most recent military parade on October 10. She has attended the event in the past with her husband, who is thought to be 36. A source told a Seoul-based website run by defectors, that North Koreans have noticed her absence and they have been discussing why she hasn't been seen for months. There are three "rumours" spreading through the country about her disappearance, the source added.Video UnavailableAmong them, there is speculation that Ri is suffering from some kind of health issue, the website reported. However, it is not the leading theory. There is also speculation that she is caring for Kim's aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, who was pictured with the couple at the Lunar New Year Event in January. The leader's aunt, who is the younger sister of Kim Jong-il, is said to be in poor health. Daily NK reported: "This rumour is the most prevalent in the society given that it has been spread by people with 'quick access to information'.It is said that Kim's "affection" for his aunt grew after he executed her husband, and he treats her as a "family elder" and is making sure she is "specially cared for". The third rumour is Ri is focusing on the education of the couple's daughter, who was reportedly born in 2013 and would now be of primary school age. "This would only be true, however, if Ju-ae started school normally like other children," Daily NK reported. "Some North Koreans reportedly believe that Ri, as Ju-ae’s mother, would naturally manage her daughter’s education-related activities, including those activities that focus on her role as the daughter of the country’s leader." After visiting North Korea in September 2013, retired American basketball player Dennis Rodman told reporters he held the baby and she was named Ju-ae. North Korea watchers in South Korea suspect Ri's disappearance is due to the spread of coronavirus. Her last public appearance came as Covid-19 became a global crisis. It is said that she fears attending public events, especially mass gatherings, because it could put her children at risk. North Korea confirmed in July 2012 that Kim and Ri were married, a month after she was seen with him for the first time in public.Follow MORE ON

There are three main rumours about the disappearance of Ri Sol-ju, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's 31-year-old wife, who hasn't been seen for nine months since she was pictured with a relative thought to have been executedVideo Unavailable wife hasn't been seen in public for nine months, sparking speculation that her mysterious absence is due to a health issue or the pandemic. North Koreans are quietly wondering what has happened to Ri Sol-ju and three main "rumours" are spreading within the country, it is reported. The 31-year-old, who has recently missed important national events, was...

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Kim Jong-un’s wife disappears from public view amid 'fears for her health'

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