US President Donald Trump has said he knows the health status of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, suggesting that the world will learn details “in the not too distant future”, refusing to elaborate on the subject further.

At a White House press conference Monday, Donald Trump said he could not “say exactly” what Kim’s condition was, and then added that he had “a very good idea” of his condition.

“But I can’t talk about it now”, said Donald Trump, adding that he just wished him well.

Speculation about the health of the 36-year-old North Korean leader has come to light after Seoul-based Daily NK news site announced on April 20 that he is recovering from cardiac surgery, citing an unidentified person from the country.

Subsequently, US media reported that US intelligence officers were informed that Kim was in critical condition after cardiovascular surgery. He is absent from the birthday celebrations on April 15 for his late grandfather, Kim Il-sung, the founder of the state and its leader during the Korean War.

The US president’s comments appear to signal that he believes Kim Jong-un is alive.

Last week, Donald Trump said he believed reports that Kim Jong-un was in serious condition were inaccurate and probably based on “old documents”. But over the weekend there was speculation after Reuters announced on Saturday that China had sent a team – including doctors and senior diplomats – to consult its longtime ally, despite a pandemic. However, the reason for the visit remains unclear. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said at a briefing this morning that he had no new information about North Korea and its head, Kim Jong-un.

In addition, the North Korea-focused think tank 38 North has released satellite images showing that a train similar to the one used by Kim was stationed near the Wonsan coast last week. But South Korea’s National Security Council said last Thursday that there had been no unusual movement in North Korea, and UN Department spokesman repeated this assessment at a press briefing on Monday.

Speculation seems to continue to spread until the North Korean leader, a passionate smoker who gained significant weight after taking power in 2011, has reappeared. Then there were all sorts of conjectures: it was alleged that the North Korean leader was suffering from gout, had broken his ankle, or even was overthrown by a coup. He subsequently showed up walking with a walking stick while visiting a new apartment block.

Today, the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he was aware of reports on the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and was paying close attention to developments. Mr Abe made the comment in a session of parliament.