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Kim Jong-un has NOT had surgery, South Korean officials claim – despite dictator reappearing with ‘needle mark’ on wrist
SOUTH Korea does not believe Kim Jong-un has had heart surgery despite a puncture mark on his wrist which some believe show he has gone under the knife.
The North Korean despot suddenly reappeared at a fertiliser plant on Friday after vanishing for nearly three weeks sparking claims he had died or was fighting for his life after a botched op.
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Video footage of Kim's visit to the factory in Suncheon appeared to show a small wound which was not there during his previous public appearance on April 11.
However, a senior South Korean government official told reporters today that the presidential office does not believe Kim underwent an operation as some claim, reports the Yonhap News Agency.
The claims came as the two sparring neighbours exchanged gunfire along the border.
An unnamed senior official at the South's presidential office said: "Chairman Kim is not believed to have received surgery."
The official then hinted Seoul knew the surgery reports were untrue.
According to , a US-funded outlet known for its reliable insight into the rogue state, medical experts assessed the image and believe the puncture wound was related to a “cardiovascular procedure”.
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Kim, who is known to struggle with his weight, was also seen riding an electric cart around the factory – a vehicle he did need while visiting the site in January, it has been reported.
In fact, the despot used a similar cart in 2014 when he reemerged using a walking stick after vanishing for 40 days following reported ankle or leg surgery.
On Friday, he appeared alongside his sister Kim Yo-jong, who had been tipped to succeed him, at the fertiliser plant, the pictures show.
Concern over his health began when he failed to appear at an important celebration on April 15, to mark the birthday of Kim Il-sung, his grandfather and the founder of the country.
Continuing the rumours, a Chinese journalist Shijian Xingzou said a “very solid source” told her the North Korean leader had died.
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Separately, a Japanese media outlet claimed Kim was in a “vegetative state” after undergoing heart surgery.
Last week, China reportedly to North Korea to check on the leader's health.
Donald Trump has suggested he knew what had happened to Kim, hinting he was unwell as he said he hoped "everything will be fine".
The US President said: “Kim Jong-un? I can’t tell you exactly. Yes, I do have a very good idea, but I can’t talk about it now. I just wish him well.”
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New video shows North Korea leader Kim Jong Un 'appearing in public for first time in 20 days'
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