The last time Ms. Ri Sol-ju appeared in public was when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang on June 20-21.

North Korean state media did not report on her for a total of 122 days. She did not accompany North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in events.

This is not the first time Ms. Ri has been absent from the public for a long time. In 2016, she didn't appear for about 9 months, raising speculation that she might be pregnant or having a baby.

Ri has made six public appearances this year until June, including accompanying Kim during a visit to Beijing on January 1, a performance to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the Korean armed forces. in February and visited a fish farm in April.

Ri's absence in the media this year is unusual. Since North Korean state media began calling her "first lady" instead of "comrade" last year, she has been featured on the media at least once a month.

During Ri's absence, Mr. Kim's younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, seemed to fill her position. She accompanied Kim in celebration of the death of North Korean founding leader Kim Il Sung in July and other important events.