통일•외교 장관 "김정은 신변 이상 없다"...한미도 정보 공유

Amid speculation about the public absence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the past two weeks, South Korea's foreign and unification ministers have reiterated the government's stance that there is nothing unusual about the situation in the North.
Our political correspondent Kim Mok-yeon reports.
The South Korean government has reiterated that things are running as normal in Pyeongyang, amid speculation on the whereabouts of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has been out of public eye for the past 16 days.
Speaking to lawmakers in a meeting of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on Tuesday, Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul said that state affairs in North Korea are operating as normal.
"North Korean media outlets have been releasing reports that imply Chairman Kim Jong-un is handling state affairs normally. Local media reported that letters have been exchanged with world leaders and gifts have been sent to honored citizens under Kim's name."
The unification minister also pointed out that the world is in the middle of a pandemic and North Korea has been observing strict quarantine measures, suggesting that Kim's absence on the anniversary of his grandfather Kim Il-sung's birthday could be part of social distancing efforts.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha also downplayed speculation on the situation in Pyeongyang.
"Kim Jong-un seems to have not been out publicly since his last appearance on April 11, when he presided over a Politburo meeting. But our analysis so far shows no unusual activities within North Korea."
Regarding U.S. President Trump's remarks on Tuesday, where he said he knows how the North Korean leader is doing but cannot reveal the details, Kang said Seoul is aware of the meaning of what President Trump said.
"The foreign minister also told lawmakers that South Korea and the U.S. are closely sharing information related to North Korea, and vowed to continue such cooperation in the future."
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.