There is concern about the state of health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that Un has put on a lot of weight and is suffering from problems such as blood pressure and diabetes, with officials looking abroad for new drugs.
The 40-year-old Kim, known for his love of alcohol and smoking, comes from a family with a history of heart problems. Both his father and grandfather, who ruled North Korea, died of heart problems.
Kim, who is about 1.70 and not long ago weighed 140 kilograms, appeared to have lost weight in 2021, likely following a strict diet, according to the Politico report. But recent footage of him on TV showed him gaining weight again.
In high risk group – The most likely successor
On Monday, the National Intelligence Service, South Korea’s main spy agency, said in a closed-door briefing that Kim is estimated to be weighing about 140 kilograms again and is in a high-risk group for heart disease.
According to the agency, North Korean officials were trying to procure new drugs from abroad for Kim’s suspected high blood pressure and diabetes.
North Korea keeps a tight lid on what goes on inside, and there is almost no way for outsiders to know Kim’s exact health conditions.
Kim’s 11-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is seen as his preferred successor. Speculations that she will soon take her father’s place were fueled when she accompanied him to numerous events. State media called her Kim Jong-un’s “most favorite” child and released footage and photos proving her rising political status and her very good relationship with her father.
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