Ri Sol Ju Pregnancy: Kim Jong Un's Wife Gave Birth?
New images of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's wife fueled speculation that she may have recently given birth to an unknown child.
North Korean first lady Ri Sol-Ju was spotted in mid-December at a memorial for her late father-in-law Kim Jong-Il hiding a baby bump under her loose-fitting traditional dress.
Now recent images from the state-run television showed her at an official New Year's celebration wearing a well-fitted two-piece skirt suit with no hint of a possible pregnancy, according to The Daily Mail.
Another hint that prompted rumors was the choice in music for the New Year's event which included a performance by an all-woman band singing a version of the Christmas favorite "When a Child is Born" made popular by Johnny Mathis.
South Korean television and newspapers on Thursday ran before-and-after photos with speculative captions.
"The bulging stomach has gone down ... has Ri Sol-Ju given birth?" the Dong-A Ilbo Daily reported.
"Ri Sol-Ju with her tummy reduced in 11 days. Has she come out right after childbirth?" the caption read in the Chosun Ilbo Daily.
A South Korean government official, quoted by Yonhap news agency, said Ri "appeared to have already given birth, based on analysis of the TV images."
It is unknown if the North Korean government would give an official announcement if it turns out the rumors of the birth are true.
North Korea leadership follows a dynastic succession and birth of a child by Kim Jong-Un may mean that the latest line of power in the country was created.
The Telegraph also reported that Ri's marriage to Kim Jong Un became apparent last July when she accompanied him at several official events, just before Pyongyang confirmed their matrimony. However, South Korean media suggests the two were married in 2009 and already have one child, though this was never confirmed by Pyongyang.
