 "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the 10th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, July 2, 2024. File Image/Reuters")
Recent reports indicate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is facing significant health challenges due to his increasing weight. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), the 40-year-old leader weighs around 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds), despite his height of 170 centimetres (5 feet, 8 inches).
This places him firmly in the obese category, heightening concerns about his health, particularly given his family’s history of heart problems. Both his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, died from heart-related issues.
Kim Jong Un, known for his heavy drinking and smoking, is reportedly experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions he has had since his early 30s.
How is Pyongyang hoping to manage Kim’s health?
In response to these health concerns, North Korean officials are reportedly seeking new medications from abroad to help manage Kim’s conditions. The NIS revealed that Kim’s lifestyle, including his drinking and smoking habits, contributes significantly to his health issues.
Lawmaker Park Sunwon, after attending a closed-door briefing with the NIS, stated, “We have determined that he has been showing symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s. If he does not improve his current health, there is a possibility that he may develop cardiovascular disease, which is a family history, so we are closely monitoring him.”
Intelligence officials have stated that Kim Jong Un’s health situation places him in a high-risk category for developing more severe conditions, such as heart disease.
Who may succeed Kim?
Impact Shorts
More ShortsKim Jong Un’s health is not just a personal concern; it carries significant political implications, especially since he has not officially designated a successor. His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is about 10 to 11 years old, has recently gained prominence.
She has been seen alongside her father at numerous high-profile events, sparking speculation that she is being groomed as a potential successor. The NIS noted that at least 60 per cent of her public appearances have been at military events, suggesting a deliberate effort to raise her profile.
North Korean state media has referred to her as Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” child, further fuelling speculation about her future role.
Kim’s appearance being observed globally
Kim Jong Un’s fluctuating weight has been a topic of international attention. In 2021, he appeared noticeably slimmer, which observers attributed to a possible change in diet. However, recent state media footage shows that he has regained the weight.
This, combined with his reclusive nature and the secretive state of North Korean politics, leaves much about his health and the country’s future leadership in question.
The NIS, while not ruling out the possibility that Kim Ju Ae could be replaced by another sibling, acknowledges the difficulty of accurately predicting developments within the tightly controlled regime.
The situation is compounded by North Korea’s recent internal challenges, including a flood crisis that has displaced thousands. During a recent state media appearance, Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting flood damage, his puffy face visible as he traveled through affected areas.
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This public appearance, amidst rumours about his health and the country’s ongoing struggles, have underlined the unpredictable nature of North Korean leadership dynamics. Kim Jong Un’s weight gain, coupled with his family history and lifestyle, poses serious health risks. Meanwhile, his daughter Kim Ju Ae’s increasing visibility suggests she may play a significant role in the regime’s future, though uncertainties remain.
With inputs from agencies