North Korean media publishes photos of Kim Jong Un after rumors of his death

Kim Jong Un appears in North Korean state media while visiting an exhibition of clothing e footwear with her daughter Kim Ju Aejust hours after unsupported rumors about his death spread. The photographs, published by the newspaper Rodong Sinmunshow the leader observing the displays, accompanied by his daughter and officials. However, it is not possible to establish precisely when they were taken.

The rumors had been spread by Wanjun Xiea Chinese dissident living in the United States who presents himself as president of the Chinese Democratic Partyan organization prohibited by the authorities of Beijing. Xie had claimed, without providing evidence, that Kim had suffered a serious illness cerebral hemorrhagetransferred to a Beijing hospital in a coma and later died. The body, according to his reconstruction, would have been secretly brought back to North Korea.

The position of South Korean intelligence

Officials ofintelligence sudcoreana they told the agency Yonhap that I have no information to support these rumors. Xie had previously spread unverified claims, including speculation about the death of the Chinese president Xi Jinping.

The precedents on fake news

It is not the first time that unfounded news has circulated about the disappearance of Kim Jong Un. In 2020 a well-known North Korean defector he said he was “99% sure” that the leader had died after cardiovascular surgery. Kim then reappeared in public.

The succession hypothesis

L’opacity of the regime and uncertainty about succession fuel attention for these indiscretions. According to South Korean intelligence, Kim may be preparing his daughter to succeed him: the girl appears more and more often at public events e military demonstrationsbut she would be just 13 years old and has not been formally designated heir.

Concerns about the stability of the country

The services of Alone they also repeatedly reported i cardiovascular risks linked to the lifestyle of the leader, overweight and a heavy smoker. A possible sudden crisis at the top of Pyongyang would raise questions about stability of the country and on the control of his nuclear arsenal.