For the past week rumours have been swirling through online forums and amongst North Korea watchers that the country’s dictator is dead.
Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public for days, sparking speculation that the 36-year-old has come to some kind of harm. This morning a state newspaper ran a letter of thanks from Kim to construction workers in the country – the first word heard from the tyrant in more than two weeks.The dictator was not pictured however, meaning the report did little to quieten speculation that Kim is dead eight years into his reign.
If he is indeed dead or in a vegetative state as some reports have suggested, then a path to power for Kim’s sister Kim Yo-jong could start to emerge.

Kim was last pictured on April 11 when he presided over the political bureau meting of the ruling Workers’ Party.
The Supreme People’s Assembly went ahead, two days late and without Kim in attendance.
While it is a largely ceremonial event in which 680 assembly members rubber stamp the regime’s actions, the leader’s absence was still notable.

The leader is said to have undergone heart surgery at his family’s private hospital Mount Paektu.
Unconfirmed reports claimed Kim was taken to hospital after clutching his chest and falling to the ground while out in the countryside.Some reports suggested that he had a stent fitted in what should have been a routine operation.
However, his terrified surgeon’s hands were shaking, which led the medic to botch the proceedure.
Kim’s health has been a cause of concern in the hermit kingdom for some time.
Despite being in his thirties, he is a heavy smoker and morbidly obese – which makes him more susceptible to major health issues.

Tens of thousands of North Korean’s turned out to the tribute to the country’s founder, Kim -Il-Sung, on April 15.
The day is a hugely important one in the country’s calendar as it marks the birth of its first leader, who is revered above that of even his son Kim Jong-Il and his grandson Kim Jong-un.
Tens of thousands of North Korean’s turned out to the tribute to the country’s founder, Kim -Il-Sung, on April 15.

He was absent in his late grandfather’s birthday celebration. The day is a hugely important one in the country’s calendar as it marks the birth of its first leader, who is revered above that of even his son Kim Jong-Il and his grandson Kim Jong-un.