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Key North Korean power broker Kim Kyung Hee has put a stop to rumors of growing ill-health by appearing in public for the first time in a month.
Kim’s presence was noted in state media in coverage of a Party meeting to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s ascent to Chosun Workers’ Party General Secretary held yesterday at the April 25th Palace of Culture in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Il was elevated to the position on October 8th, 1997, following three years of mourning the death of Kim Il Sung.
Kim Kyung Hee was introduced 6th in the Korean-language version of the report, after Kim Jong Eun and regime heavyweights Kim Young Nam, Choi Young Rim, Choi Ryong Hae and Hyun Young Cheol.
It was the first time Kim had appeared in public since September 1st. Rumors of ill health grew particularly vocal after she failed to appear at the extraordinary session of the Supreme People’s Assembly, North Korea’s rubber stamp legislature, on September 25th.
The keynote speech at yesterday’s event was delivered by Party Secretary Kim Ki Nam.
