Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un. is reportedly in a “fragile” condition after undergoing an unspecified surgical operation.

Seoul-based news outlet Daily NK reported that the North Korean leader Kim was staying at a countryside villa outside Pyongyang while he recovered from heart surgery, and that his condition was improving after he was conspicuously absent from events on 15 April commemorating the birth of his grandfather Kim Il-sung, the founder of the nation – one of North Korea’s most important holiday celebrations.

Dozens of top Government officials attended a flamboyant military parade at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on 15th of April, but Kim was nowhere to be seen.

According to Daily NK, Kim had heart surgery on April 12.  because of “excessive smoking, obesity, and overwork,” and is now receiving treatment in a villa in Hyangsan County following his procedure.

According to the news site, after Kim’s condition had improved, most of the medical team treating him returned to Pyongyang on April 19 .

The US is now monitoring reports that Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong could take over if the dictator dies as top government officials generally want the Kim family to continue ruling the country if anything happens to Kim..

Kim’s movements were last reported by KCNA, the country’s official news channel,  on 11 April, when he chaired a meeting of the ruling party.

His absence from the meeting also raised reports that he had been struck down with Coronavirus even though North Korea has officially declared zero Covid-19 cases, a claim met with scepticism by health experts and US officials aware of the strong trade and transportation ties between China and North Korea.