N. Korean diplomat, Kim Yong Chol, was seen alongside Kim Jong-un last night. (Image via: Fox News)

Exiled North Korean Top Politician Seen with Kim Jong-un

PYONGYANG - From hard labor to glory, Kim Yong Chol was seen with Kim Jong-un. The politician, who was trusted by Kim Jong-un to be second only to him, was sent to hard labor sentence in Jagang Province, following the breakdown at Hanoi Summit last February. The interpreter for the talk, Shin Hye Yong, was imprisoned for her interpreting mistake during the talks.

According to a press release by Chosun Ilbo, the hard labor sentence seemed to be short, as the right hand man was seen alongside Kim Jong-un at a musical event in Pyongyang.

Nonetheless, the N. Korean media did not clarify whether Kim Yong Chol was acquitted from the hard labor sentence, or would he come back to Jagang, once the performance was over.

Moreover, Kim Yong Chol was allegedly demoted from his position from vice chairman of Workers’ Party of Korea to the director of United Front Department Central Committee. 

Just last week, Kim Jong-un decided to execute their special ambassador for United States, Kim Hyok Chol, and other 4 ministers of foreign affairs, due to the Hanoi Summit talks breakdown. Kim Hyok Chol was executed upon arriving at Mirim Airport, Pyongyang, on Friday (31/5), reported by Chosun Ilbo.

The N. Korean media pointed out that readers discretion is advised, since South Korean news agency (might be referring to Chosun Ilbo) – especially those run by state – has a history of making an exaggerating story about N. Korea. They added that the news concerning Kim Hyok Chol’s execution and other public execution stories might have been belittling lies.

Meanwhile, the nuclear deal and other sanction talks between US and N. Korea is being stalled for a moment. Both countries’ leaders are standing on their ground: Trump stated that N. Korea was not ready for the talks, and Kim Jong-un stated that US should come with more reasonable terms for N. Korea.

Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/03/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/purged-north-korean-no-2-reappears-event-kim/#.XPSU2IgzbIU