North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's absence from key national events over the last few days could be linked to his concerns over the coronavirus.
That's according to South Korea's minister for North Korean affairs, who clarified that it does not imply he is unwell.
Minister Kim Yeon-chul confirmed they have not detected any unusual movements in North Korea.
"It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns," he said at a parliamentary hearing.
"I don’t think that’s particularly unusual given the current (coronavirus) situation."
Even though North Korea has said it has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, officials in Seoul believe Kim must be trying to avoid exposure to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he has a good idea how Kim is doing, without elaborating.
Speculation around Kim's health surfaced after he skipped several key events since mid-April.
The Syrian government and Kurdish forces declared a ceasefire deal on Friday that sets out a phased integration of Kurdish fighters into the state, averting a potentially bloody battle and drawing US praise for a 'historic milestone'.
US President Donald Trump said it was dangerous for Britain to be getting into business with Beijing, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer lauded the economic benefits of resetting relations with China during a visit there on Friday.
Israel has released 15 bodies of Palestinians killed during its war in Gaza, three days after recovering the remains of the last hostage, in moves mediators hope will pave the way to carrying out the next stage of US President Donald Trump's peace plan.
There is a low risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading from India, the World Health Organisation said on Friday, adding that it did not recommend travel or trade curbs after two infections reported by the South Asian nation.
President Donald Trump has endorsed a spending deal negotiated by US Senate Republicans and Democrats on Thursday that would stave off a government shutdown while lawmakers continue negotiating guardrails to rein in immigration agents.
Police in Vietnam have launched a criminal investigation into a warehouse accused of producing fake coffee made from soybeans following a raid earlier this week, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday.
Israeli fire killed at least two Palestinians in Gaza on Thursday, health officials said, in the latest violence rattling a fragile ceasefire as Hamas and Israel looked to implement the second phase of the US-brokered Gaza peace plan.
US border czar Tom Homan, newly installed as commander of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, said on Thursday that federal agents would focus on 'targeted' operations, shifting away from the broad street sweeps that have drawn widespread outrage.
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Syrian government, Kurdish-led SDF agree integration deal
Trump warns Britain on China ties as Starmer hails progress in Beijing
Israel releases 15 Palestinian bodies as truce deal shifts to next phase
WHO sees low risk of Nipah virus spreading beyond India
Trump, Democrats say deal reached to avert shutdown
Vietnam police seize tonnes of fake coffee products made from soybeans
Israeli fire kills two in Gaza as truce deal moves to next phase
Trump official says ICE in Minneapolis will be 'targeted,' vows changes on ground
