Kim Jong-un death rumours have been circulating on social media, with Wanjun Xie, chairman of the China Democracy Party (CDP), claiming that the North Korean leader died after suffering a severe cerebral haemorrhage and that his sister, Kim Yo-jong, has taken control of the regime instead of his daughter, Kim Ju-ae. In a social media post, Xie also alleged that 9,000 Chinese troops had been sent to Pyongyang amid fears of a possible succession crisis and claimed that North Korea had intensified its military posture towards South Korea. These allegations remain unverified, and there is no official confirmation in the information provided that Kim Jong-un has died, that Kim Yo-jong has assumed power or that Chinese troops have been deployed to North Korea.
Kim Jong-un death rumours: What Wanjun Xie claims
In his post, Xie alleged that Kim Jong-un suffered a sudden cerebral haemorrhage and fell into a coma. He claimed that North Korea sought medical assistance from China because its medical facilities could not provide the treatment required.
According to Xie's account, a team of medical experts from Peking Union Medical College Hospital was dispatched to North Korea. He alleged that Kim Jong-un was subsequently transferred to Beijing for emergency surgery but died after doctors failed to save him because his condition was too severe and the critical window for treatment had passed.
Xie further claimed that Kim Jong-un's body had been returned to North Korea and that the announcement of his death was being withheld. He also argued that the rumours had gained traction because the North Korean leader had not appeared publicly to deny them.
Kim Yo-jong in control instead of Kim Ju-ae?
Xie also claimed that North Korea's leadership had not passed to Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, following his alleged death. Instead, he alleged that Kim's sister, Kim Yo-jong, was currently in control of the regime.
The post claimed that Kim Yo-jong had moved to strengthen her authority over the North Korean military by escalating tensions with South Korea. According to Xie, North Korea had activated loudspeaker broadcasts towards South Korea, fired 201 warning shots and warned that it was considering a comprehensive upgrade of its tactical strike capabilities.
Xie interpreted the alleged escalation as an attempt by Kim Yo-jong to consolidate her power through a tougher stance towards South Korea. He presented these developments as further indications that she had taken control following Kim Jong-un's alleged death.
Claim of 9,000 Chinese troops sent to Pyongyang
The social media post also alleged that China had dispatched 9,000 troops to Pyongyang to help Kim Ju-ae stabilise her position amid fears of a possible succession crisis or civil war in North Korea.
According to Xie, China's Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army had been placed on heightened alert at Level III in preparation for a potential conflict. He further claimed that troops under the command had been ordered to suspend leave, family visits and demobilisation or retirement procedures, while personnel who had left the area were recalled and movement into and out of military facilities was strictly controlled.
Wanjun Xie also makes claims about Xi Jinping's health
Alongside the allegations about Kim Jong-un, Xie claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had suffered a stroke in September while attending the BRICS summit in India. He alleged that Xi received emergency treatment before returning to Beijing on a special plane and undergoing cardiovascular surgery at Beijing's 301 Hospital.
Xie further suggested that Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un had suffered the same illness, claiming that Kim could not be saved while Xi survived. The post warned that another stroke could be fatal for the Chinese president.
Xie also cited alleged difficulties experienced by Xi during public appearances as supposed indications of health problems. However, the post did not provide verified medical evidence to substantiate these claims.