Kim Jong Un ‘proof of life’ photos released by North Korea after wild rumors dictator died from brain hemorrhage

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1. 1h ago

   North Korea Releases Photos of Kim Jong Un to Quash Death Rumors

   North Korean state media published photographs showing leader Kim Jong Un touring a garment and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae. The release aims to counter unverified online claims that the 42-year-old dictator had died following a severe brain hemorrhage and coma. The rumors intensified after the mysterious closure of North Korea's English-language news site, the Pyongyang Times. State outlets quickly countered the social media speculation by featuring the general secretary inspecting shoes and women's clothing.

   Why it matters

   Speculation regarding the health of North Korea's supreme leader surfaces periodically on overseas social media. Observers closely monitor the secretive nation for any signs of instability or potential succession crises involving family members such as his sister. State media releases serve as a direct countermeasure to dispel unconfirmed reports of incapacitation or death.

   What is confirmed

   • North Korean state media released photographs showing Kim Jong Un inspecting a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang.
   • The 42-year-old leader appeared at the public event alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
   • Unverified claims circulated on overseas social media alleging that Kim Jong Un had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and fallen into a coma.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Chinese dissident Xie Wanjun claimed that the North Korean leader passed away after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage.
   • Online rumors suggested that North Korea was at risk of a civil war and a takeover by the leader's sister.

   What to watch next

   • Future public appearances by Kim Jong Un in state media broadcasts
   • Official statements from international intelligence agencies regarding the leadership status
   Sources used for this update (26)

   1. Daily Star — Rumours that Kim Jong un is dead after 'falling into coma' as North Korea risks 'civil war'
   2. Daily Star — Fears Kim Jong-un 'died of brain haemorrhage' as state-owned news site shuts
   3. Українські Національні Новини (УНН) — Kim Jong Un fell into a coma after a brain hemorrhage - The Sun
   4. NK News — Kim Jong Un appears at clothing expo after latest internet rumors on death
   5. Yonhap News Agency — N. Korea's Kim tours light industry expo, touts regional policy achievements
   6. New York Post — Kim Jong Un ‘proof of life’ photos released by North Korea after wild rumors dictator died from brain hemorrhage
   7. Yonhap News Agency — N.K. leader inspects garment, footwear exhibition
   8. The Times of India — Kim Jong Un dead? North Korea releases photos dismissing rumours of coma, takeover by sister
   9. Inquirer.net — Kim Jong Un photos released on October 20 amid death rumors
   10. Yonhap News Agency — Unverified rumors of N.K. leader's death spread on overseas social media
   11. BBC — Kim Jong Un: Why do rumours about his death keep coming back?
   12. www.mirror.co.uk — Kim Jong Un in 'high-risk group' but not dead, say South Korean spy chiefs
   confidence 90%