Powerful aunt of Kim Jong-un seriously ill, say reports
Woman regarded as North Korea's No 2 believed to be in Singapore hospital
One of the most powerful figures in North Korea, the aunt of leader Kim Jong-un, is believed to be seriously ill and possibly in a hospital in Singapore, South Korean media reported yesterday.
Persistent rumours that Kim Kyong-hui, the 66-year-old sister of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, is unwell were fuelled by her non-attendance at a rare session of the North's parliament on Tuesday.
South Korean newspapers, citing Seoul government sources and diplomatic sources in Beijing, said Kim was overseas seeking medical treatment.
"I was informed that Kim arrived in Singapore with a small number of bodyguards," the JoongAng Ilbo quoted one source familiar with North Korean affairs as saying.
"It seems that she was admitted to hospital and is still undergoing treatment," the source said.
South Korea's unification ministry, which handles cross-border relations, declined to confirm the reports.