North Korea defectors criticised over speculation Kim was ill or dead

[soryang]

North Korea defectors criticised over speculation Kim was ill or dead
Hyonhee Shin, Sangmi Cha Reuters May 4, 2020
5 MIN READ

His re-emergence came as a blow to the credibility of some high-profile defectors from the North who had speculated that Kim was suffering from a grave illness or could even be dead.

One of the defectors, Thae Yong-ho, was North Korea’s deputy ambassador to Britain, where he managed secret funds for Kim. Thae fled to South Korea in 2016 and was one of a pair of defectors elected to parliament last month.

“I am aware that one of the reasons why many of you voted for me as a lawmaker is with the expectations of an accurate analysis and projections on North Korean issues,” Thae said in a statement. “I feel the blame and heavy responsibility.”

“Whatever the reasons, I apologise to everyone.”

The other prominent defector elected to parliament, Ji Seong-ho, had said in a media interview he was 99% certain that Kim had died after cardiovascular surgery and an official announcement would come as soon as Saturday.

more:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-kim-defectors/north-korea-defectors-criticised-over-speculation-kim-was-ill-or-dead-idUSKBN22G0FS

US mainstream media and so called "experts" on North Korea are regarded as little more than propagandists in South Korea. Thae Yong-ho said he wouldn't interfere in South Korean politics in 2016 after he defected but for the last two years he has done little else.

[Sneederbunk]

1. Speculation is the bread and butter of the MSM.