Kim Jong Un death rumours: North Korea releases new photos after brain haemorrhage claims; what we know

A tiny pink shoe, a display of women’s coats and a leader inspecting everyday products: these are the unlikely images now drawing global attention to North Korea. State media has released fresh photographs of Kim Jong Un visiting a garment and footwear exhibition, after social media claims alleged that the country’s leader had suffered a brain haemorrhage and died.

The photographs, published on Tuesday, October 20, show Kim touring the exhibition in Pyongyang on Monday, according to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim was reportedly accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and wife, Ri Sol-ju.

The appearance contradicts online claims that Kim had died. However, the photographs were distributed by North Korean state media, and independent journalists were not present to verify the event themselves.

How Kim Jong Un death rumours spread online

The speculation gained traction after Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident associated with the China Democracy Party, posted claims on X alleging that Kim had suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage, fallen into a coma and been taken to Beijing for emergency treatment.

Xie also claimed that medical specialists from Peking Union Medical College Hospital had travelled to North Korea and that Kim’s body was secretly returned to the country after doctors failed to save him. He further alleged that China had deployed 9,000 troops to Pyongyang amid a possible succession crisis.

These claims were not accompanied by publicly verifiable medical records or other independent evidence. The New York Post reported on the allegations and noted that it had sought comment from North Korean and Chinese authorities, as well as the hospital.

Neither the alleged death nor the reported Chinese troop deployment was independently established. The new photographs offer evidence of a reported public appearance, rather than confirmation of the wider claims circulating online.

Did Kim Yo-jong take control of North Korea?

The rumours also prompted speculation that Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, had assumed control of the country, potentially bypassing his daughter as a successor.

But a statement attributed to Kim Yo-jong about possible military measures against South Korea is not evidence that she has taken over the government. Reuters reported on October 19 that she had warned of possible renewed loudspeaker broadcasts and an expansion of tactical strike capabilities amid tensions along the border.

The statement referred to South Korea’s actions, including warning shots and loudspeaker warnings. It does not establish that Kim Jong Un is dead or that a transfer of power has occurred.

What is known about Kim Jong Un’s health?

Kim’s health has long been the subject of international scrutiny because North Korea releases limited information about its leadership. On September 30, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Kim weighed around 140 kilograms and faced an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease linked to severe obesity.

However, according to the lawmakers who relayed the intelligence briefing, the agency reported no significant signs of ill health. It cited Kim’s ability to run up stairs during an inspection of a naval destroyer, as reported by KBS World.

The latest photographs do not provide an independent medical assessment, but they arrive amid claims that he had died.

Why North Korea death rumours have surfaced before

This is not the first time speculation about Kim’s death has spread internationally. In 2020, North Korean defector Ji Seong-ho, then a South Korean lawmaker, claimed he was almost certain Kim had died after reportedly undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Kim later appeared in public, and Ji apologised for the inaccurate claim.

For now, the latest images challenge the newest death rumours, while leaving broader questions about Kim’s health unanswered. In a country where access to the leadership is tightly controlled, a gap in public appearances can quickly become a breeding ground for speculation.

(With inputs from ANI)