(LEAD) N. Korean leader watches art performance with Kim Yong-chol amid rumor of purge
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details; MODIFIES headline)
SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has watched a show, along with his top aide, Kim Yong-chol, that was staged by the wives of some military officers, Pyongyang's state news agency reported Monday.
The report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) came amid a rumor that Kim Yong-chol might have been purged after the failed Hanoi summit between North Korea and the United States.
The leader attended the performance "given by amateur art groups of the wives of officers of units of the Korean People's Army (KPA) selected in the seventh round of the second-term contest of art groups of KPA officers' wives," the KCNA said.
He appeared with his wife, Ri Sol-ju. Among the audience were Kim Yong-chol, a senior official at the Workers' Party of Korea, and several other top officials, it added.
Speculation has been rampant that Kim is carrying out a massive purge of his aides involved in preparations for his second meeting with President Donald Trump held in late February.
They cut short the two-day talks without producing any accord.
Last week, the Chosun Ilbo, a major daily in Seoul, reported that North Korea had executed Kim Hyok-chol, its special envoy for the U.S., and some foreign ministry officials. It cited an unnamed source.
It added Kim Yong-chol is going through hard labor in a remote province.
South Korea's presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, soon said it's premature to conclude that such a purge is actually under way.
"There's nothing we can confirm (for you)," Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Ko Min-jung told reporters Friday. "We are monitoring all related situations (on North Korea). But I think it's important to figure out how much information in the article has been confirmed."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
1 For veteran idol U-know Yunho, it's all about giving his best
-
2 (URGENT) Biden says America will repair alliances
-
3 S. Korea's military strength 6th in world, N. Korea at 28th: report
-
4 (profile) Liberal, press-friendly lawmaker tapped as culture minister
-
5 K-pop celebs a growing force for tourism in pandemic-hit S. Korea
-
1 (URGENT) Biden says America will repair alliances
-
2 S. Korea's military strength 6th in world, N. Korea at 28th: report
-
3 For veteran idol U-know Yunho, it's all about giving his best
-
4 'Gangnam Style' star Psy celebrates 20-year career anniversary
-
5 (profile) Liberal, press-friendly lawmaker tapped as culture minister
-
1 New virus cases under 400 again; alert in place against potential upticks
-
2 Pfizer to submit application for COVID-19 vaccine approval by end-Jan.
-
3 (2nd LD) Moon vows close cooperation with Biden for Korea peace process
-
4 Defense ministry vows push for regular inter-Korean military talks, swifter OPCON transfer
-
5 Two accomplices in online sex abuse ring sentenced to 15, 11 years in prison