Kim Jong Un lost weight over North Korea’s poor economy: South Korea
South Korea’s spy agency has revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shed 20kg weight to boost his public image in the wake of the country’s worsening economic situation.
The South Korean intelligence service at a closed-door parliamentary briefing with South Korean lawmakers on Thursday, said it drew its conclusion after using artificial intelligence techniques, and analysis of super-resolution video of Kim and other methods to investigate Mr Kim’s condition.
His weight loss first drew a public stare when he made a public appearance after several weeks to convene a ruling party meeting in June. State media claimed that citizens broke down in tears after seeing a thinner Mr Kim.
In September, Mr Kim took centre stage at a military dog parade, his first public appearance in some time revealing a remarkable weight loss and tanned look.
South Korea-based online newspaper Daily NK reported in April 2020 that Mr Kim had to undergo heart surgery followed by his conspicuous absence from some key events.
Once overweight, the 37-year-old leader has been the subject of regular health speculation given his family’s history of heart disease. The leader’s father Kim Jong-il and his grandfather both died of heart issues.
However, despite Mr Kim’s pale appearance, North Korea observers debunked claims that the country’s leader had health challenges; rather they tied his weight loss to the result of his efforts to improve his physique.
They noted that he has continued his regular public activities and no unusual developments have been seen in North Korean videos.
South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee said that The NIS dismissed claims that the recent public appearances of the North Korean leader was an impostor.
He said the NIS told the lawmakers that Kim’s weight has fallen from about 140kg to 120kg.
The agency said Mr Kim has been engaged in public activities for 70 days so far this year, a 45 per cent increase from the same period last year.
The North Korean leader is currently struggling to overcome what appears to be the toughest period of his rule due to economic hardships worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.
More from Peoples Gazette
Sport
Insigne scores brace as Napoli top Serie A
Lorenzo Insigne scored twice from the penalty kick spot as Napoli returned to the top of the Serie A standings after a 3-0 home win against Bologna on Thursday.
Anti-Corruption
Sanwo-Olu named ‘Best Nigerian governor in Internal Audit transformation’
Mr Hamzat said Mr Sanwo-Olu’s administration considered auditors as strategic partners in discharging its responsibilities to the public.
Sport
Kida makes U-turn, cancels NBBF congress
Mr Kida, who initially rejected the ministry’s directive and insisted that the elections go on as scheduled, has now made a U-turn.
Health
12,043 children in IDP camps now enjoy hygiene: UNICEF
Diseases like dysentery, diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, and malnutrition that led to the underlying cause of nearly 50 per cent of deaths in children under five globally.
States
FG upgrades airports security against terrorists
“The upgrade of the CCTV surveillance monitoring systems has been concluded and operational at the MMIA and four other international airports.”
States
Pandemonium at Benin prison, govt says it’s minor incident
“I want to really salute the courage of the officers for actually nipping the situation in the bud, otherwise, it would have been another story by now.”
