North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has gained weight once again and seems to be experiencing health issues associated with obesity, including high blood pressure and diabetes. South Korea’s intelligence agency has informed lawmakers that officials are seeking new treatments from abroad for these conditions.
At 40 years old, Kim, who is known for his heavy drinking and smoking habits, comes from a family with a history of cardiac problems. Both his father and grandfather, who ruled North Korea prior to his ascension to power in 2011, passed away due to heart-related issues.
Previously weighing 308 pounds, Kim, who stands around 5 feet 8 inches tall, appeared to have shed a significant amount of weight in 2021, likely due to dietary changes. However, recent footage from state media indicates that he has regained this weight.
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During a closed-door briefing on Monday, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea communicated to lawmakers that Kim’s weight is currently estimated to be about 308 pounds again, placing him at high risk for heart disease, as stated by lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun.
According to Lee, the NIS reported to lawmakers that Kim has exhibited signs of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early thirties. Another legislator, Park Sunwon, noted that officials believe Kim’s obesity is attributable to his drinking, smoking, and levels of stress.
In this photo provided on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivers a speech during a meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea held from June 28 until July 1, in Pyongyang, North Korea. Independent journalists were not allowed to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The authenticity of this image cannot be independently verified. The Korean watermark on the image provided by the source reads: “KCNA,” which stands for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
Lee and Park relayed that the NIS has gathered intelligence suggesting that North Korean officials are actively seeking new medications from abroad to address Kim’s suspected high blood pressure and diabetes.
Given North Korea’s reclusive nature, it is nearly impossible to ascertain the precise state of Kim’s health from outside the country. Additionally, the NIS has a mixed record regarding the reliability of its assessments on developments in North Korea.
Kim’s health has become a significant focus of international attention, as he has not publicly designated a successor to take control of the nation’s advanced nuclear weapons program aimed at the United States and its allies, should he become incapacitated.
During the NIS briefing on Monday, officials reaffirmed their belief that Kim’s daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, is likely enhancing her standing as her father’s potential heir. However, they also noted that it remains possible for her to be superseded by one of her siblings, since she has not yet been officially named as her father’s successor.
Speculation surrounding Kim Ju Ae, who is approximately 10 years old, has surged due to her attendance at prominent public events with her father since late 2022. State media have labeled her as Kim Jong-un’s “most cherished” or “esteemed” child, highlighting her increasing political prominence and closeness to her father through footage and photographs.
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The NIS informed lawmakers that over 60% of Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances have been at military events alongside her father.
