A South Korean diplomat has sensationally claimed that Kim Jong Un is in a coma and his sister is set to take control of North Korea.
Chang Song-min, an ex-aide to late-South Korean president Kim Dae-jung, claimed the DPRK is hiding the truth about its leader's deteriorating health and that he understands the dictator is in a comatose state.
It comes as speculation over Kim's true health condition has been mounting due to a lack of public appearances this year.
A South Korean diplomat has sensationally claimed that Kim Jong Un is in a coma and his sister is set to take control of North Korea. Above, Kim Jong Un pictured at a plenary meeting on Thursday
Kim Yo-jong, 33, (pictured above) is in prime position to take over some of her brother's powers, according to Chang Song-min
Speaking with local media, Chang Song-min said: 'I assess him to be in a coma, but his life has not ended.'
He added that the dictator's sister, Kim Yo-jong, 33, is in prime position to take over some of her brother's powers.
'A complete succession structure has not been formed, so Kim Yo-jong is being brought to the fore as the vacuum cannot be maintained for a prolonged period,' he said.
Chang Song-min's claims come despite North Korean media releasing pictures claiming to be of Kim attending a government meeting on Thursday. However news agency Reuters said it could not 'independently verify' the images.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Kim Jong Un had promoted his sister to second-in-command of North Korea.
Kim Yo Jong, 32, is now in charge of North Korean policy towards the US and South Korea, effectively making her his de-facto deputy, spy chiefs said.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Kim Jong Un had promoted his sister to second-in-command of North Korea. Above, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, attends a plenary meeting of the Workers' Party in Pyongyang, North Korea, Wednesday, August 19
Her brother still maintains 'absolute authority' over North Korea, but has delegated some responsibilities to help him deal with the 'stress' of ruling, it was claimed.
Kim Jong Un, said to be aged around 36, has only been seen a handful of times this year amid speculation in April that a 'botched' heart operation had left him in a critical condition or even dead.
The rumours were quashed in May when state media released images of the North Korean leader cutting the ribbon at the opening of a fertiliser factory.
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