Kim Jong-Un’s powerful aunt disappears from public view

Special to WorldTribune.com

By Lee Jong-HeonEast-Asia-Intel.com

SEOUL — North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un’s powerful aunt has not been seen in public for nearly three months and is believed to be critically ill.

Kim Kyong Hui leads Kim Jong Un, right, down an escalator in 2011. AP  / KCNA
Kim Kyong Hui leads Kim Jong Un, right, down an escalator in 2011. AP / KCNA

If so, the development could significantly impact the young leaders’ underlying power base among family members, sources and analysts here say.

Kim Kyong-Hui has not been seen in public since May 12 when she attended a military concert in Pyongyang along with Kim Jong-Un and his wife Ri Sol-Ju, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry.

The aunt has been a brisk presence at public activities in the entourage of her nephew.

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