South Korea’s spy chief sees promise of better ties with North Korea, as Kim Jong-un’s head bandage fuels health questions

Kim Jong-un’s powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, has warned that annual US-South Korea military drills would undermine improved relations on the Korean peninsula

However, Park Jie-won, the head of the National Intelligence Service, says the remarks indicate Pyongyang’s willingness to strengthen ties if the drills are not held

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The NK News site and Chosun newspaper said Kim Jong-un’s head bandage was visible when he appeared at an army event last month. There were also images in which the bandage was gone and a greenish spot could be seen. Photo: KCNA

Published: 2:26pm, 3 Aug 2021Updated: 10:36pm, 3 Aug 2021

North Korea appears willing to take steps to improve inter-Korean relations if the South calls off joint military drills with the United States, the head of Seoul’s spy agency said on Tuesday.

Park Jie-won, head of the National Intelligence Service, also said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has shown few indications of ill health after images of him wearing a medical adhesive pad on the back of his head fuelled speculation he may have undergone surgery.

The bandage was visible in state media images when Kim appeared at a Korean People’s Army event from July 24 to 27, according to NK News site and the Chosun newspaper. There were also images at events in late July in which the bandage was gone and a greenish spot was visible, they said, citing a review of North Korean state media.

Kim Jong-un’s powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, on Sunday warned that annual US-South Korea military drills scheduled this month would undermine improved ties on the Korean peninsula, just days after the two nations reopened communication channels.

“Our government and army will closely follow whether the South Korean side stages hostile war exercises in August or makes other bold decisions,” she said.

According to Park, Kim Yo-jong’s remarks highlight “Pyongyang’s intention to take reciprocal steps” to improve cross-border ties should the military exercises be scrapped.