North Korean officials are seeking new medicines from abroad to treat their leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un who has reportedly regained weight and is now facing health issues related to obesity. Kim jong is reportedly suffering with conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
At 40 years old, Kim has a family history of heart problems, with both his father and grandfather dying from heart-related issues. Known for his heavy drinking and smoking habits, Kim is approximately 170 centimeters (5 feet, 8 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilograms (308 pounds). Despite appearing to have lost a significant amount of weight in 2021, possibly due to dietary changes, recent state media footage suggests he has regained the lost weight, reported AP.
Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun stated that the NIS estimates Kim’s current weight to be around 140 kilograms (308 pounds), placing him in a high-risk group for heart disease. “Kim has shown symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s,” Lee said. Lawmaker Park Sunwon added that the NIS believes Kim’s obesity is linked to his drinking, smoking, and stress.
The NIS also informed lawmakers that North Korean officials have been attempting to procure new medicines from abroad to address Kim’s suspected high blood pressure and diabetes.
Kim’s health is a topic of significant interest beyond North Korea’s borders, as he has not formally named a successor, raising concerns about who would take charge of the country’s growing nuclear arsenal in the event of his incapacitation.
During Monday’s briefing, the NIS reiterated its assessment that Kim’s preteen daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, appears to be bolstering her status as her father’s heir apparent. However, the NIS noted that it cannot entirely rule out the possibility that one of her siblings could replace her as the successor, given that she has not been officially designated as her father’s successor.
Speculation about Kim Ju Ae, who is about 10 years old, began to spread when she started accompanying her father to high-profile public events in late 2022. State media have referred to her as Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” child and have released numerous photos and footage showcasing her increasing political prominence and her close relationship with her father. The NIS reported to lawmakers that at least 60% of Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances have involved being present at military events with her father.
At 40 years old, Kim has a family history of heart problems, with both his father and grandfather dying from heart-related issues. Known for his heavy drinking and smoking habits, Kim is approximately 170 centimeters (5 feet, 8 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilograms (308 pounds). Despite appearing to have lost a significant amount of weight in 2021, possibly due to dietary changes, recent state media footage suggests he has regained the lost weight, reported AP.
Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun stated that the NIS estimates Kim’s current weight to be around 140 kilograms (308 pounds), placing him in a high-risk group for heart disease. “Kim has shown symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s,” Lee said. Lawmaker Park Sunwon added that the NIS believes Kim’s obesity is linked to his drinking, smoking, and stress.
The NIS also informed lawmakers that North Korean officials have been attempting to procure new medicines from abroad to address Kim’s suspected high blood pressure and diabetes.
Kim’s health is a topic of significant interest beyond North Korea’s borders, as he has not formally named a successor, raising concerns about who would take charge of the country’s growing nuclear arsenal in the event of his incapacitation.
During Monday’s briefing, the NIS reiterated its assessment that Kim’s preteen daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, appears to be bolstering her status as her father’s heir apparent. However, the NIS noted that it cannot entirely rule out the possibility that one of her siblings could replace her as the successor, given that she has not been officially designated as her father’s successor.
Speculation about Kim Ju Ae, who is about 10 years old, began to spread when she started accompanying her father to high-profile public events in late 2022. State media have referred to her as Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” child and have released numerous photos and footage showcasing her increasing political prominence and her close relationship with her father. The NIS reported to lawmakers that at least 60% of Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances have involved being present at military events with her father.
Discussion about this post