Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean leader has undergone surgery, in order to remove a cyst from his ankle. The information was released by the South Korean intelligence. The operation was performed by a foreign doctor, sometime between September and October. Kim Jong-Un disappeared for a few weeks from the public eye and because of this numerous rumors emerged. Because of his six week absence, it was speculated that he might be seriously ill. In recent official photos, he has been seen walking with a cane and limping. A picture from October 14 shows Kim Jong-Un using a walking cane while inspecting a new residential district. According to the South Korean intelligence who provided the information about the surgery undergone by Kim Jong-Un, the cyst might reappear. Kim Jong-Un is a heavy smoker and has a busy lifestyle. The doctor who performed the surgery had been flown into the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.
The cyst had represented a problem for the North Korean leader since May. It was caused by what is know as “tarsal tunnel syndrome”. A nerve usually gets pinched and causes the ankle to swell. Also, it is excruciatingly painful. According to the South Korean Intelligence, the medical team which performed Kim Jong-Un’s surgery was from Europe. The specific country is, however unknown. Kim Jong-Un is not the first North Korean leader who has requested treatment from foreign specialists. Kim Jong-Un’s father and grandfather were both treated by French doctors. Also, it was reported that Kim Il-Sung had ordered a pace-maker directly from Switzerland. The pace-maker was flown to North Korea in a diplomatic bag.
For the first time after a decade, on October 28, North Korean officials talked to Japanese officials about the issue regarding the abduction of Japanese citizens. North Korea admitted to having kidnapped 13 Japanese citizens between 1970 and 1980. They intended to train spies in Japanese customs. In 2002, five of these abducted Japanese citizens were able to return to their country. North Korean officials say the other eight remaining Japanese citizens had died. Japan, however does not believe that. In July, Japan cancelled some of the sanctions on Pyongyang, after agreeing with North Korea to reopen an investigation on these 13 abducted Japanese citizens.