South Korea's continued hush-hush piles intrigue over North Korea's Kim Jong-un's health

South Korean top officials on Tuesday reiterated the government's stance that there is no unusual sign regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's prolonged public absence has led to rumors of ill health. The rumours have led to worries about how it could influence the future of what one analyst calls Northeast Asia's “Achilles’ heel,” a reference to the North's belligerence and unpredictable nature.

In a parliamentary meeting, South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul said the North Korean state media continues to report news that suggest Kim is handling state affairs normally.

"So far it is considered that there is no unusual movement in North Korea," said South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, also speaking at the meeting in Seoul.

The exact state of Kim's health matters because it could determine the stability of the dynastic government in Pyongyang and the security of nuclear weapons that the nation has repeatedly threatened to use on its neighbors and the United States.