Ah, here we go again. The North Korean couple has returned to the public eye — Kim Jong-un after a 15-day absence and his wife Ri Sol-ju after over 50 days of silence. And with it comes a host of speculation: the general view seems to be that Kim Jong-un needs to show the public that his regime is stable.
As for his wife Ri Sol-ju – she may be pregnant with their second child, according to reported South Korean intelligence.
She appeared by her husband’s side on October 29th attending a musical performance and soccer match clad in a long beige coat that appears to show a slight bulge, according to speculation and photos. Either that or she completed her penance for failing to wear the lapel pin of the late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il that all adults are required to wear, or for upsetting state elders for appearing too casual and cheerful in the media.
Both are speculative and unconfirmed at the moment.
The young North Korean couple has been a very public one mimicking the behavior of First Couples familiar in advanced Western democracies – mild public displays of affection and all – which is both unprecedented and unimaginable for North Korea as we’ve known it. Watching them is reminiscent of the awe and wonder with which the world watches the other young royal couple on the other side of the world: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.
It seems pretty clear that the young Kim knows a thing or two about the power of PR.
At this rate, it may come to no surprise when Ri Sol-ju does give Kim Jong-un a child, perhaps the crowned prince will be shown off for the whole world to see. And it may give them bonus points for doing so first before William and Kate steal their thunder.
