It was in April this year that Kim Jong’s 3 weeks of absence from public meetings led to speculations that the South Korean leader was seriously ill or even dead. As no official statement or news emerged from the country, the doubt continued to get more intense. However, over the following months, Kim started appearing in public which, to some extent, put an end to rumors.

Nearly after 5 months, when it was thought that rumors about Kim’s health had entirely stopped, the news of Kim being in a coma is making headlines again. Not only that but there are also reports claiming that North Korean leader has partly passed on the power into the hands of his sister, Kim Yo Jong. History is suggestive that it may more than what meets the eye.

According to the news on August 20, it is South Korean National Intelligence Service’s report that Kim has transferred his powers to his sister Kim Yo Jong and some of his trusted officials. The source of the news, however, is unknown.

In contrast to what’s been reported by unknown sources, authentic sources have said that Kim still retains the supreme power, it’s just that he doesn’t want to directly involve in the country affairs.

Researcher at the Korean Institute of National Unification (KINU), Lee Sang-sin has said that Kim is only trying to bring equilibrium in the political system which stands on three pillars – the party, the government, and the military. An additional source has added that Kim is delegating powers to his trusted ones due to nothing but stress.   

Kim Jong Yun’s public appearance got more frequent in July, but speculations surfaced that those appearances were only “faked.” But Kim’s visit to the site of Pyongyang General hospital has been recorded in an undated video as well which serves as a reference that the leader has actually visited the sites in the month of July.

Besides Kim, the current whereabouts and position of Kim Yo are also unknown which points out the likeliness of inconsequential happenings such as extended business outside of the capital or just an important break from work due to light health issues.

All considered it’s wise to believe that rumors about Kim Jong being in a coma are nearly untrue. It’s a body of baseless opinions that has taken the shape of worldwide news. Kim's appearance after the rumors took the world by surprise and it is likely to happen one more time.