ID :
70635
Thu, 07/16/2009 - 11:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/70635
The shortlink copeid
S. Korea says photos of sitting Kim Jong-il don't prove bad health
By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Seoul officials on Wednesday denied speculation that the latest photographs of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, some of which show him seated in a chair during a field guidance trip, may be a sign of his deteriorating health.
The rare images of Kim seated in an armchair during a trip to a tile factory,
released by the North's Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station late Tuesday,
spurred rumors that he may now be too frail to stand long hours of outdoor
activity.
Kim's undated visit to the Taedonggang Tile Factory was reported by state media
as fresh speculation emerged in Seoul about his health. A South Korean cable
network said Monday that Kim has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and could
die in a year's time.
"There have not been many photographs in which he is seated in the outdoors, but
this is not the first time," Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung said in
a briefing.
"Our judgment is that it is difficult to see any signs of his failing health from
yesterday's picture."
The photographs also suggested Kim may have started smoking again after quitting
years ago on his doctors' advice. Next to his armchair was a glass ashtray on a
wooden table.
An ashtray also appeared in front of Kim in an April photo, following images in
February that showed him taking a puff and exhaling smoke while touring a
cigarette factory.
The 67-year-old Kim, formerly a big fan of Dunhill cigarettes, reportedly quit
smoking before he turned 60 because his doctors worried about his history of
diabetes and heart disease. His decision led to a nationwide anti-smoking
campaign using such extreme slogans as "Cigarettes are like guns aimed at your
heart."
Smoking would be particularly detrimental to Kim's health if he suffered a stroke
in August last year as believed.
Concerning the reported terminal cancer, the South Korean government said it had
no information to share, a stance echoed by Washington.
Tuesday's photos also showed Kim wearing a short-sleeved shirt for the first time
since his suspected stroke. He has worn a parka or long-sleeved shirts so far.
Kim has conducted 82 field guidance trips so far this year, compared to 57 last
year.
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Seoul officials on Wednesday denied speculation that the latest photographs of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, some of which show him seated in a chair during a field guidance trip, may be a sign of his deteriorating health.
The rare images of Kim seated in an armchair during a trip to a tile factory,
released by the North's Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station late Tuesday,
spurred rumors that he may now be too frail to stand long hours of outdoor
activity.
Kim's undated visit to the Taedonggang Tile Factory was reported by state media
as fresh speculation emerged in Seoul about his health. A South Korean cable
network said Monday that Kim has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and could
die in a year's time.
"There have not been many photographs in which he is seated in the outdoors, but
this is not the first time," Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung said in
a briefing.
"Our judgment is that it is difficult to see any signs of his failing health from
yesterday's picture."
The photographs also suggested Kim may have started smoking again after quitting
years ago on his doctors' advice. Next to his armchair was a glass ashtray on a
wooden table.
An ashtray also appeared in front of Kim in an April photo, following images in
February that showed him taking a puff and exhaling smoke while touring a
cigarette factory.
The 67-year-old Kim, formerly a big fan of Dunhill cigarettes, reportedly quit
smoking before he turned 60 because his doctors worried about his history of
diabetes and heart disease. His decision led to a nationwide anti-smoking
campaign using such extreme slogans as "Cigarettes are like guns aimed at your
heart."
Smoking would be particularly detrimental to Kim's health if he suffered a stroke
in August last year as believed.
Concerning the reported terminal cancer, the South Korean government said it had
no information to share, a stance echoed by Washington.
Tuesday's photos also showed Kim wearing a short-sleeved shirt for the first time
since his suspected stroke. He has worn a parka or long-sleeved shirts so far.
Kim has conducted 82 field guidance trips so far this year, compared to 57 last
year.
