The News Minute | October 12, 2014 | 12.51 pm IST

The United States has had in for North Korea over its nuclear programme etc, but something curious is happening to its head of state, the Kim Jong-Un, who is variously known as the Supreme Leader or Fatty the Third depending on who you ask, according to Mother Jones website.

The website has put together five of the best rumours about the leader, where he is, what might or might not have happened to him, etc. The only fact here, apparently, is that the Supreme Leader has not made a public appearance since September 3, not even for the North Korea Worker’s Party, which by the way Kim Jong-Un heads.

Here’s one rumour: There was a straight-up coup, and Kim fled. In a more extreme version of Rumor 1, some are saying that Kim did indeed exercise total control, and that a coup was staged to get rid of him. So who'd want to take him out? The army is a candidate, as is Kim'spowerful but little-known younger sister, who could've made a play. If you're wondering how seriously to take these rumors, consider that some people thought a particular general—Vice Marshal Jo Myong-Rok—overthrew Kim. That guy is dead.

(Read the rest at Mother Jones)