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South Korean Intelligence dismisses Kim Jong Un death rumors
South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has dismissed recent social media rumors claiming that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has died. During a closed-door briefing with the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee on October 23, officials informed lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties that the reports were false.
The rumors, which circulated widely on social media and were picked up by some foreign media outlets, alleged that Kim had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, fallen into a coma, and passed away. However, the NIS reported no unusual signs of abnormality within North Korea regarding Kim's status.
To counter speculation, North Korean state media recently published photographs showing Kim attending a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. The NIS previously noted that while Kim faces high cardiovascular risks due to obesity, he has continued normal activities, such as inspecting a destroyer.
The briefing also noted that Kim Yo Jong, the leader's sister, recently inspected a southern border fortification construction site with Pak Jong Chon, though officials stated this does not indicate a significant shift in her political role.
Entities
Kim Jong Un · Kim Yo Jong · National Intelligence Service · North Korea · Pak Jong Chon · South Korea
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The South Korean National Intelligence Service dismissed rumors of Kim Jong Un's death as false. www.kyeonggi.com · news.az · yespunjab.com · srpskacafe.com · mondo.rs · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Kim Jong Un weighs approximately 140 kilograms. www.kyeonggi.com · news.az · yespunjab.com · srpskacafe.com · mondo.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kim Yo Jong inspected a southern border fortification construction site with Pak Jong Chon. www.kyeonggi.com · yespunjab.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Kim Jong Un recently attended a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang. news.az · yespunjab.com · www.kyeonggi.com · srpskacafe.com · mondo.rs
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The NIS reported no unusual signs of abnormality within North Korea regarding Kim's status. www.kyeonggi.com