N.Korea’s titular head of state to visit Moscow instead of Kim Jong Un

SEOUL, (Reuters) – North Korea’s titular head of state will travel to Moscow this month instead of the country’s young leader, Kim Jong Un, for ceremonies to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe, according to state media.

On Thursday, the Kremlin had said Kim Jong Un would not be attending the events in Moscow, dashing expectations for what would have been his first overseas visit since taking power in 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.

On Monday, Pyongyang’s official KCNA news agency said Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, would visit Russia for the celebrations.