- Kim Jong Un has appeared in North Korean state media photographs after viral claims that he had died from a brain haemorrhage
- The unverified allegations also claimed his sister, Kim Yo Jong, had taken power and China had sent 9,000 troops to Pyongyang
- The latest images show Kim at a clothing and footwear exhibition, but they have not been independently authenticated
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Harry Ivan Mboto is a Current Affairs and Politics Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Mboto has five years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2024
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has appeared in newly released photographs inspecting shoes and women's clothing, following unverified social media claims that he had died after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Source: UGC
The images, published by North Korea's state media on Tuesday, October 20, show Kim touring the 2026 National Garment and Footwear Exhibition in Pyongyang a day earlier.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim was accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during the visit.
The photographs show the 42-year-old leader examining a small pink shoe, inspecting coats displayed at the exhibition and interacting with officials.
However, the images have not been independently authenticated, and it remains unclear precisely when they were taken. Their release comes amid widespread online speculation about Kim's health and the possibility of a leadership crisis in the secretive East Asian country.
How did Kim Jong Un's death rumours begin?
The rumours gained traction after Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident associated with the China Democracy Party, published claims on X alleging that Kim had suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage, fallen into a coma and died after being transferred to Beijing for emergency treatment.
Xie further claimed that Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, had taken control of the country and that China had deployed approximately 9,000 troops to Pyongyang amid fears of a succession crisis.
He also alleged that Chinese medical specialists had travelled to North Korea to treat Kim before he was moved to Beijing.
However, the claims have not been substantiated by independently verifiable evidence. Neither the alleged Chinese troop deployment nor the reported transfer of power has been confirmed by authorities.
What is known about Kim Jong Un's health?
Kim's health has repeatedly attracted international attention, with speculation often fuelled by his periods away from public view.
In 2020, similar rumours circulated after he disappeared from public events for several weeks. He later reappeared, disproving claims that he had died following surgery.
North Korean authorities have not explicitly confirmed or denied the latest death rumours.
Source: TUKO.co.ke