A North Korean defector-turned-South Korea lawmaker claimed Friday he is “99 percent” sure that Kim Jong Un died after surgery — amid swirling speculation about the dictator’s condition.
Ji Seong-ho, who earned a proportional representation seat of a minor party in the country’s April 15 elections, told Yonhap News Agency he believes Kim died after his recent surgery and that North Korea will announce it this weekend.
“I’ve wondered how long he could have endured after cardiovascular surgery. I’ve been informed that Kim died last weekend,” Ji told the outlet. “It is not 100 percent certain, but I can say the possibility is 99 percent. North Korea is believed to be grappling with a complicated succession issue.”
The lawmaker-elect did not reveal the source of his information, and his claim cannot be verified independently, according to the report.
He added that Kim Yo Jong, the leader’s sister, is likely to take office in the event of his death, as experts have speculated.
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