North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has appeared in photographs released by state media after unfounded claims circulated online that he had died from a brain hemorrhage or fallen into a coma. The images, published by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Tuesday, show Kim apparently visiting a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang on October 19. The 42-year-old leader is pictured inspecting displays alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, 13, and other officials.
The photographs emerged after a Chinese dissident based in the United States claimed on social media that Kim had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, been transferred to a hospital in Beijing and later died. The allegations spread across social media before being picked up by international tabloids, despite the absence of independently verified evidence supporting them. The images indicate that the regime is presenting Kim as continuing his public duties; however, the event has not been independently verified.
The claims reportedly originated with Wanjun Xie, who identifies himself as chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party, an organization banned by Chinese authorities. In posts on X, Xie alleged that Kim had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, lost consciousness and been transferred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing for emergency treatment because of North Korea's inadequate medical facilities. He then claimed that Kim had died and that his body had been secretly returned to North Korea, with the authorities concealing his death, but no verifiable evidence was provided to support these allegations.
Xie has previously circulated unverified claims about Chinese President Xi Jinping, including speculation about his death and the alleged use of a body double. The latest rumors also spawned further speculation about North Korea's leadership, including unsupported claims that Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, had assumed power. South Korean diplomatic and security officials told Yonhap News Agency they had heard nothing to support the reports about Kim's alleged death.
Kim's latest reported appearance comes after a series of public activities reported by North Korean state media in recent months. South Korea's Ministry of Unification maintains a database tracking Kim's publicly reported activities. Its records include appearances at political meetings, military events, weapons-related activities and public ceremonies.
The database records multiple appearances in August and September, including events on August 17, August 26 and August 30, followed by further appearances in early and late September. On September 22, Kim reportedly attended a football match involving personnel associated with North Korea's Missile Administration and Second Economic Commission. His attendance was reported by state media two days later.
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