A North Korean traffic policewoman has been awarded the rare 'Hero of the Republic' award, sparking speculation she may have saved the life of Kim Jong-un.
South Korean media suggested that Ri Kyong-Sim may have rescued the North Korean leader from a traffic accident, while others speculated about a possible assassination attempt.
In a brief dispatch, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced that Ms Ri "displayed the heroic self-sacrificing spirit of safeguarding the security of the headquarters of the revolution in an unexpected circumstance."
The phrase "headquarters of the revolution" is often used to refer to the country's supreme leadership.
The "Hero of the Republic" award is usually reserved for heroic acts during wartime, although it is also given to individuals who have made a major contribution to the country's advancement.
Recently, a large number were given to scientists and technicians involved in the North's long-range rocket launch in December and February's nuclear test.
Park Kun-Ha, secretary general of NK Intellectuals Solidarity, a North Korean defector group, said it was "very rare" for such a prestigious award to be handed out to a low-level functionary.
"I suspect it might have been linked to an assassination attempt disguised as a traffic accident," Park told AFP.
Speculation that Kim Jong-un was involved in some way was fuelled by hints in state media reports that followed the initial KCNA announcement.
"Comrade Ri's action was not made possible by pure accident, but made possible because she had always harboured this longing for the respected leader day and night," her superior officer told state TV in an interview.
Her former teacher said: "She was always such a responsible person ... that explains why she could achieve such a heroic feat for the safety of the brains of our revolution."
State TV showed hundreds of soldiers and traffic police attending the award ceremony, during which Ms Ri wept uncontrollably.
"I couldn't feel more grateful for the mercy shown by our respected leader in awarding me this highest honour," she said.
The hundreds of guests applauded her as she laid a floral tribute before joint statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the current leader's grandfather and father.