[Opinion] Kim Jong-il in Hiding?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has not been seen in public for 44 days. This is the first time that Kim has withdrawn himself from the center stage for so long. He even skipped the top party officials` meeting on March 26. Since 1998, he had attended the major national event every year. The last time he was seen was at his 61st birthday party held at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on February 21. Then what had happened after the big party arranged by the top diplomat from the country`s key ally?

It seems, however, that things are normal with the North Korean leader. While he was in seclusion, he sent a congratulatory message to the new leaders in China and the reelected Cuban leader Fidel Castro. It is also said that he urged party officials to accelerate the construction of a hydraulic power station now underway.

˝I will be at peace and take a break after the people in this country all become affluent and happy,˝ Rohdong Shinmun quoted Kim as saying in its February 28th edition. Is the leader so deep in thought about his people that he cannot take time out for public appearances?

It is not just Kim who has withdrawn. The country`s official response to the U.S. invasion of Iraq was negative. The North Korean press now though, which condemned the U.S. during the Gulf War as war criminals to be punished, now remains restrained from making official comments. We cannot know whether he is softening his hard stance or feels threatened by the attack. What is Kim thinking about seeing the killings and destruction in Iraq while other countries say `next is you`? He must be worried about what is going on.

Kim may already be in hiding in preparation for a possible U.S. attack that could come in the future. Still, he must have seen Iraqi President Saddam Hussein hit hard by the heavy bombing on the first day of the attack. Why is Kim choosing the hard way? If he changes his mind, he will be at peace and get rest. If he gives up his nuclear program, his people will be better off with international aid.

Song Moon-hong, Editorial Writer, songmh@donga.com