Kim, 41, has not been seen in state media for over three weeks, an unusually long gap given his typically high public profile. His absence was particularly notable during the June 15 celebration of the founding of the Korean People's Army, a key annual event he has traditionally attended.
Adding to the mystery, state media on Wednesday released a set of photographs purportedly taken during a factory inspection in North Hamgyong Province. Experts who analyzed the images noted that Kim appeared swollen in the face and was seen using a walking aid for the first time. These details have reignited concerns over his health, which has been the subject of intense speculation for years due to his weight, smoking habits, and family medical history.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) said on Thursday that it was monitoring the situation closely. A senior official speaking on background said, “While there is no confirmed evidence of serious illness, we have noticed patterns in Kim’s appearances that suggest possible recurring health issues.”
In 2020, Kim’s sudden disappearance for nearly three weeks prompted international rumors of his death, only for him to reappear at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Similar speculation arose in 2021 and 2023, each time tied to noticeable changes in his physical appearance.
Despite recurring health rumors, Kim continues to wield tight control over North Korea’s political and military apparatus. Analysts note that even brief absences raise concerns about succession planning in a country where power is concentrated in a single individual and public transparency is minimal.
“There is no clear successor to Kim Jong-un, which makes every sign of health trouble a potential geopolitical risk,” said Dr. Rachel Min, a senior fellow at the East Asia Security Institute in Seoul.
As usual, North Korean state media has made no mention of the speculation and continues to refer to Kim in glowing terms, focusing coverage on his leadership accomplishments and policy directives.
Without independent access to North Korean internal affairs, the world is left to interpret scarce images and irregular appearances. For now, Kim's health remains a closely guarded state secret — but one that could carry global implications should anything serious occur.