What the Hell Is Going On in North Korea? [View all]

[Algernon Moncrieff]

Mother Jones: What the Hell Is Going On in North Korea? Here Are the 5 Best Rumors About Kim Jong-Un

North Korea's Kim Jong-Un—known as "Supreme Leader," or "Fatty the Third," depending on where you are—has been conspicuously absent over the past month. At a July event, he was seen walking with a limp, and he hasn't made a public appearance since September 3rd. That's unusual for Kim, who made 25 public appearances in July alone. North Korean State media was forced to admit he'd been suffering from "discomfort."

Most observers figured Kim was sidelined with gout, which might as well be a Kim family tradition. Today, Kim was expected to make a comeback for a deeply important annual event—the anniversary of the founding of North Korea's Workers' Party. He was, shockingly, a no-show. No one ever knows what's really happening in North Korea, but the rumor mill, abuzz for weeks, has gone wild with speculation. Here's some of the craziest rumors the world's come up with to explain Kim's extended absence:

5 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Kim is being phased out as leader of North Korea.
	1 (20%)
	There was a straight-up coup, and Kim fled.
	0 (0%)
	Kim was addicted to cheese.
	0 (0%)
	Kim got too excited in a military drill and injured himself.
	1 (20%)
	Kim is fine!
	0 (0%)
	Something else...
	3 (60%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
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