Kim Jong Un visits China days after state media photos counter death rumors
publishers 38articles 55first reported 20 Oct, 00:56 UTCdeveloping since 20 Oct · 11 editions
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled by train to Dandong, China, crossing the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge in his first known trip abroad in more than a year, according to reports from Yonhap and Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Xinhua later reported that Kim left Dandong and was seen off by China’s top political adviser.
The visit followed days of unsupported online claims that Kim had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and died after being taken to Beijing for treatment. The allegations originated with Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident who offered no verifiable evidence. South Korean diplomatic and security officials said they had received no intelligence supporting the claims.
North Korean state media had already published photographs on Oct. 20 showing Kim touring a clothing and footwear exhibition with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and other officials. KCNA said the visit occurred on Oct. 19. Although the photographs’ timing could not be independently verified, Kim’s reported trip to Dandong further contradicted claims that he was dead or comatose.
Kim’s China trip was not announced in advance. Yonhap reported that Chinese Premier Li Qiang had also traveled to Dandong. Traffic controls and hotel restrictions were imposed near the bridge and a museum commemorating China’s role in the 1950-53 Korean War, whose anniversary China marks on Sunday.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 6 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 102 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 38
- Source articles
- 55
- Given to the writer
- 8, 6 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 102 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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