SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is experiencing health problems related to obesity, including high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on Monday. According to the NIS, Kim, who has a history of heavy drinking and smoking, has regained weight and is estimated to weigh approximately 140 kilograms (308 pounds).
Kim’s weight issues and associated health problems are concerning given his family’s history of heart disease. Both his father and grandfather, who preceded him in power, died from heart-related conditions. The NIS revealed that Kim’s officials are actively seeking new medicines abroad to address his high blood pressure and diabetes.
South Korean lawmakers, who were briefed behind closed doors by the NIS, reported that Kim’s health issues have been evident since his early 30s. The intelligence agency suspects that Kim’s condition is exacerbated by his lifestyle choices, including his drinking and smoking habits.
Recent state media footage shows that Kim has regained weight after appearing to lose a significant amount in 2021. Despite earlier efforts to address his obesity through dietary changes, the leader’s health has become a growing concern.
The NIS briefing also touched on Kim’s family, noting that his preteen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has been increasingly prominent in public events. The agency suggests that Kim Ju Ae may be positioned as his successor, though her official designation remains uncertain.
Kim’s health and the succession issue are closely watched internationally, given the ongoing tension surrounding North Korea’s nuclear program and the potential implications for regional stability.
