South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be trying to avoid coronavirus infection

South Korea said on Tuesday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was absent from recent key events to avoid a coronavirus infection, Reuters reported.

“It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns,” South Korea’s Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul told at a parliamentary hearing.

Kim Jong Un was absent from events on a key holiday on April 15 and from the public ceremonies on the birth anniversary of his grandfather and founder of the country.

The North Korean leader has not been seen in public ever since, leading to reports that he is seriously ill.