Ji Seong-ho

A North Korean defector elected as a lawmaker in South Korea claimed Friday that he is "99 percent" sure North Korean leader Kim Jong-un died last weekend after surgery.

Unconfirmed reports of Kim's ill health have mounted since he has not appeared in public for nearly three weeks. News reports described Kim as being in "grave danger" after surgery or hiding out at a coastal resort to escape the coronavirus pandemic.

Ji Seong-ho, who earned a proportional representation seat for a minor party in the April 15 elections, claimed he is 99 percent sure of Kim's death and North Korea may make the announcement this weekend.

"I've wondered how long he could have endured after cardiovascular surgery," Ji told the Yonhap News Agency. "I've been informed that Kim died last weekend.

"It is not 100 percent certain, but I can say the possibility is 99 percent. North Korea is believed to be grappling with a complicated succession issue."

Ji did not reveal the source of his information. His claim cannot be verified independently.

The lawmaker-elect said Kim Yo-jong, sister of the North's leader, is likely to succeed him, as many experts speculate.

The South Korean government said it has not detected any "unusual" signs in North Korea that may suggest a serious problem in leader Kim's health. (Yonhap)