About the Author
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko is a Senior Analytic Correspondent for NK News based in Seoul. Follow him on Twitter @ColinZwirko.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un skipped his third Politburo meeting in the last year on Sunday, according to state media, as top officials reportedly discussed the country’s chronic agricultural problems.
Monday marks the 35th day without a new public appearance by Kim in state media, tying his second-longest ever break. It comes as soldiers and civilians train outdoors daily in freezing temperatures as part of intense preparations for a military parade set to take place this week.