By Debra Killalea
Updated
April 27, 2020 07: 24: 41
The rumour mill is in overdrive as the fate of the head of one of the world’s most secretive dynasties remains a mystery.
CNN reported on April 21 that North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un was gravely unwell after surgery.
The report was dismissed by South Korea’s presidential palace, which said it had received no information that suggested the 36-year-old was seriously ill.
However, as speculation continues to mount over the health of Kim Jong-un, attention is turning to who is next in line to take over in the event of his death.
“There is no clear succession process in place, and Kim is in very poor condition, so when he does die, things could get quite dangerous and messy,” said Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at Australia’s Strategic Policy Institute.
Kim Yo-jong, a young, ambitious and trusted sister appears to be an obvious choice, but experts suggest there is a second dark horse candidate, and any transition of power will not be a smooth one.