In this Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 image made from video, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center right, salutes as he and his wife Ri Sol Ju, center left, attend a New Year's concert in Pyongyang, North Korea. The seemingly pregnant belly sported by the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in mid-December appeared to be gone by New Year's Day. That's sent South Korean media into a frenzy of speculation that there's a new baby in the ruling Kim dynasty. (AP Photo/KRT via AP Video) TV OUT, NORTH KOREA OUT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The seemingly pregnant belly sported by the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in mid-December appeared to be gone by New Year's Day.

That's sent South Korean media into a frenzy of speculation that there's a new baby in the ruling Kim dynasty.

Video broadcast Dec. 17 showed Ri Sol Ju wearing a billowing black dress that covered what appeared to be a swollen belly.

Rumors swept Seoul and Pyongyang that she was pregnant, although it was difficult to tell for sure from the images. There has been no official word from Pyongyang.

But Ri was shown by state TV at a New Year's concert wearing a tighter dress and looking noticeably slimmer. That's causing more speculation in Seoul that she may have given birth.

Associated Press
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