North Korean leader 'extremely obese': Seoul spy agency
Seoul, Sept 30, 2026 (AFP) -
Seoul's spy agency has revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is extremely obese, according to a recent assessment. Weighing over 140 kilograms (approximately 310 pounds), the reclusive leader is a heavy smoker with a penchant for luxury foods. Despite his weight issues, Kim has maintained his physical activity, such as climbing stairs, and shows no signs of health problems, as monitored by his medical team.
Rumors of his illness surfaced in 2020 when he missed a commemoration and disappeared for about two weeks, but these have since been dismissed. Kim's health condition, similar to that of his father and grandfather, raises concerns about succession and stability in the nuclear-armed nation. North Korea faces multiple sanctions due to its weapons programs and struggles with a struggling state-managed economy and food shortages.
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