Field Marshal Hyon Chol-hae is believed to have played a crucial role in nurturing the North Korean leader.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended Field Marshal Hyon Chol-hae’s funeral on Sunday and on Sunday carried the coffin of the man believed to be his mentor, state media reported on Monday (May 23). .
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Marshal Hyon is believed to have played a crucial role in preparing young Kim Jong-un to lead North Korea before the death of his father Kim Jong-il, with whom he was close, in 2011. North Korea’s KCNA news agency released photos of Kim Jong-un carrying the coffin with other regime officials. In contrast to the other officers present, we see him without a protective mask.
North Korea officially announced over the weekend that it had successfully contained a recent outbreak of Covid-19, a claim experts doubt given that 25 million North Koreans are unvaccinated and their country’s healthcare system is one of the worst in the world. Marshal Hyon died of multiple organ failure at the age of 87, according to KCNA.
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Kim Jong-un “hardly suppressed his grief after this great loss,” the news agency assured. Afterward, he “spread earth on the remains” of this high-ranking officer, whom he “deeply respected and held in high esteem.” The “fever,” as Covid-19 is officially known, has killed 68 people since authorities in North Korea acknowledged its existence on May 12. KCNA claimed the outbreak is now “under control”.
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