North Korea Releases Photos of Kim Jong Un Amid Death Rumors
State media disseminate images of the leader and his daughter after unsubstantiated claims of his death from a brain hemorrhage circulated online.
North Korea has released photographs appearing to show leader Kim Jong Un, following unsubstantiated rumors that he had died from a brain hemorrhage. The images, released on Monday, depict the 42-year-old leader and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, 13, visiting a clothing and footwear exhibition hall in Pyongyang.
The speculation about Kim Jong Un's health intensified after Chinese dissident Xie Wanjun claimed, without providing evidence, that the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea had suffered a severe cerebral hemorrhage and fallen into a coma. Wanjun, who is based in the United States and chairs the China Democracy Party, further alleged that Kim was taken to a hospital in Beijing where he subsequently died. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Kim's body had been secretly transported back to North Korea and that his death was being concealed.
Following these claims, North Korea's state news agency released the photographs. While the agency stated the photos were taken on Monday, independent verification has not been possible. One image shows Kim inspecting a pink shoe in the presence of officials. Another captures him examining rolls of fabric while an official speaks to him. A third photo depicts him touching the fabric of a woman's coat displayed on a mannequin, with aides behind him.
The health of the North Korean leader has been a recurring subject of international speculation. In September, South Korea's spy agency reported that Kim was extremely obese and at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to significant weight gain. His chronic obesity and heavy smoking habits continue to fuel questions about potential succession in the nuclear-armed state should he die unexpectedly.
Youn Kun-young, a politician from Seoul, cited South Korea's National Intelligence Service as stating that Kim's health condition is classified as extremely obese, with a weight exceeding 310 pounds. Despite the high risk of cardiovascular disease, Youn noted that Kim has not exhibited difficulties with physical activity, such as running up stairs. The assessment from the intelligence service is that there are no signs of health issues, given his dedicated medical team's close monitoring.
Previous speculation regarding Kim's health emerged in 2020 when he was absent from public view for approximately 20 days, missing a commemoration of his late grandfather's birthday. This absence fueled rumors of serious illness, possibly following surgery. Both his father, Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sun, were also known for their obesity and heavy smoking, and both died of heart attacks.
North Korea has faced recurrent food shortages, with the United Nations identifying food insecurity as a significant humanitarian concern. Despite these challenges, reports from a chef who worked with Kim's personal culinary staff during a summit indicated Kim's preference for luxury foods, including caviar, lobster, and foie gras, and a taste for rare steaks comparable to Japanese wagyu.