There's speculation North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is in China... ahead of his scheduled summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.
But Cheong Wa Dae and the White House say they can't confirm the reports.
Adding to the intrigue,... China's Foreign Ministry has also refused to comment.
Kim Hyo-sun tells us more.
Reports say a high-ranking North Korean official appears to be visiting China,... adding that it could be the regime's leader Kim Jong-un.
Citing unidentified sources,... Bloomberg reported that Kim has made a surprise visit to Beijing,... his first overseas trip since taking power in 2011,... but added no further details were available.
Japanese media including Kyodo News Agency and NTV also reported that speculation about a possible visit by the North Korean leader circulated around the Chinese capital on Monday,... as a special train similar to the one used during Kim Jong-il's visit to the nation was spotted in Beijing.
They added that security was tight around the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,... while a North Korean Embassy vehicle was also spotted.
While the Chinese Foreign Ministry refused to be drawn on the alleged visit,... South Korea's presidential office said it could not verify the reports,... adding that it's keeping a close eye on related reports.
Cheong Wa Dae explained the North Korean high-ranking official visiting Beijing may not be Kim Jong-un,... adding that nothing has been confirmed yet.
The White House also said it could not confirm whether Kim is in China.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.