Unconfirmed Reports Spark Speculation Over Kim Jong Un's Health
Unconfirmed rumors on social media claim North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is in a coma in Beijing, while his sister Kim Yo Jong issues severe threats against South Korea amid rising border tensions.
Unconfirmed Reports on Kim Jong Un's Health
Rumors regarding the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un flooded social media in China, with some reports even claiming he had died. According to claims circulated by several outlets, Kim suffered a severe stroke, was secretly flown to Beijing, and hospitalized in a coma. At this stage, there is no official confirmation of these reports, and no independent evidence has been published to verify the claims.
According to the rumors, the North Korean leader was transferred to China due to the limitations of the healthcare system in Pyongyang, and is currently hospitalized at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the Chinese capital. Authorities in both countries have not confirmed the reports.
Speculation Fueled by Public Absence
Speculation has intensified against the backdrop of Kim's absence from public appearances in recent days. His last reported visit in state media was at a war museum in Pyongyang, in photos published in mid-October. Similar absences have occurred in the past, often sparking rumors about his health that later proved unfounded.
Benedict Rogers, a North Korea expert, told the British newspaper The Sun that he expects state media in the country to soon publish evidence that Kim is alive. "There were rumors in the past about his death. His medical condition is not excellent, and he suffers from significant overweight," Rogers said.
Sister Issues Warnings to Seoul
Simultaneously, Kim's sister and senior regime official, Kim Yo Jong, issued a sharp statement against South Korea. Warned that the situation along the border between the countries is "extremely unstable," she stated that Pyongyang is considering resuming loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border and deploying additional strike assets in the area.
The tension has escalated following a landmine explosion on the border last month, which injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul claimed the explosion was caused by mines laid by North Korean forces, while Pyongyang denied any responsibility and accused the South of deliberate escalation.
