South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has rejected recent reports claiming North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has died, according to a report. During a closed session with lawmakers on Friday, the agency stated that online speculation about his health, including claims of a severe brain hemorrhage and coma, was baseless. This response followed weeks of speculation, both domestically and internationally, sparked by an unverified post from Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident.
The NIS had previously warned that Kim faces significant cardiovascular risks due to his estimated weight of 140 kilograms. However, officials noted no signs of health deterioration in recent observations. They cited an incident where Kim climbed stairs during an inspection of a destroyer as proof of his physical capability. The agency also confirmed that his health is continuously monitored by a specialized medical team.
The latest rumors emerged after a post claimed Kim had been taken to Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing for treatment before allegedly dying. The report further suggested his body was secretly returned to North Korea, though no evidence supported these assertions. North Korean state media did not directly address the rumors, but subsequently reported that Kim had visited a garment and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang. Pictures released by state media showed the North Korean leader touring the exhibition with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae.
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The NIS also addressed inquiries about Kim Yo-jong, the leader’s sister, who inspected fortifications along North Korea’s southern border earlier this week. Officials emphasized that her appearance did not signal any change in her political role. The briefing did not address potential North Korea-US negotiations or plans for a possible visit by Kim to China.
A parliamentary review of the NIS is planned for October 29, where North Korean developments and broader security concerns are expected to be examined in greater detail. South Korean diplomatic and security sources had previously stated they found no credible evidence to support the death claims.