Photographs of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un surfaced through state media following baseless online claims of his death caused by a brain hemorrhage or coma. Released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun, the images show Kim, aged 42, attending a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang on October 19. He appears alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, 13, and several officials.
These photos emerged after Wanjun Xie, a Chinese dissident in the United States, alleged on social media that Kim had a severe brain hemorrhage, was taken to a Beijing hospital, and subsequently died. Despite the lack of verified evidence, these claims circulated on social media and were picked up by international tabloids. The photographs suggest Kim is actively engaged in public duties, though independent confirmation is lacking.
Origin of the Rumors
Wanjun Xie, who claims to chair the banned Chinese Democratic Party, started the rumors. On social media, he claimed Kim had a severe hemorrhage, lost consciousness, and was transferred to Beijing for emergency treatment due to North Korea’s inadequate medical facilities. Xie stated Kim had died and the North Korean authorities concealed his death. However, no verifiable evidence supports these allegations. Previously, Xie spread unverified claims about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s death and alleged impersonators.
The rumors also incited speculation about North Korea’s leadership, suggesting Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, assumed power without evidence. South Korean officials, speaking to Yonhap News Agency, reported no information supporting claims of Kim’s death.
Kim’s Recent Public Engagements
Kim’s appearance at the exhibition follows a series of public activities documented by North Korean media. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification maintains a database of Kim’s public engagements, recording activities at political meetings, military events, and public ceremonies. Multiple appearances were recorded in August and September, including on August 17, 26, and 30, followed by more in September. On September 22, Kim attended a football match, reported by state media two days later. His visit to the exhibition on October 19 fits within this pattern but lacks confirmation from the South Korean database.
Past Rumors About Kim’s Health
Speculation about Kim’s health recalls previous incidents of unfounded rumors. In 2020, he vanished from public view for weeks, triggering widespread speculation of death following cardiovascular surgery. A prominent defector claimed certainty in Kim’s death, later disproven by Kim’s public reappearance. His health remains a focus due to limited reliable medical information. South Korean intelligence describes him as overweight and a smoker, raising concerns about his cardiovascular health, issues also seen in other Kim family members.
Changes in North Korean leadership spark significant regional security concerns. Kim has led the nuclear-armed nation since succeeding his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. His grandfather, Kim Il Sung, founded the nation, leading it until 1994. The family has retained power for three generations, but succession plans for Kim Jong Un remain uncertain.
Kim’s Health and Leadership Succession
Attention is increasingly on Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, featuring in political and military events since late 2022. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service suggests Kim may groom her for leadership. Her growing visibility fosters succession speculation, though she is not formally named as an heir. Her young age and a male-dominated political system cast doubt on her potential succession.
A sudden leadership crisis could question North Korea’s political stability, control of nuclear arms, and power struggles. Impacts extend beyond the Korean Peninsula, affecting China and the possibility of refugee movements. The U.S., maintaining around 28,500 troops in South Korea, also faces potential security adjustments. These concerns explain why foreign intelligence monitors Kim’s activities closely and why rumors about his health receive wide attention.
Tensions Between North and South Korea
The release of Kim’s photographs occurs amid rising tensions between North and South Korea. On Monday, October 19, Kim Yo Jong, Kim’s powerful sister, described the southern border’s situation as “very unstable.” She accused South Korean forces of recklessness related to a land mine explosion that hurt two South Korean soldiers. Pyongyang denies blame, while Seoul attributes the incident to North Korea. Kim Yo Jong suggested resuming loudspeaker broadcasts along the border, potentially heightening tensions between the two nations.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors Robert Greenall and Ben Kelly.