"Kim Jong Un Is Alive": More Photos Released, but Are These Suspected to Be a 'Body Double' Too?

Rumors of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's death have recently spread rapidly, primarily across social media.

The claims alleged that Kim fell into a coma following a cerebral hemorrhage and died while receiving medical treatment in China.

The rumors even went as far as claiming that Kim's younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, director of the General Affairs Department of the Workers' Party of Korea, had seized power.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee yesterday (October 23) that these rumors are false.

The NIS met privately with ruling and opposition lawmakers on the Intelligence Committee and explained that the rumors alleging health issues concerning Kim are groundless.

The NIS had also reported on September 30 that while Kim is at high risk for cardiovascular disease due to severe obesity in the 140 kg range, he showed no notable signs of health problems, even running up stairs without difficulty when inspecting a naval destroyer.

On October 20, when the death rumors were spreading, North Korea released photos of Kim touring a footwear exhibition alongside his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Ju-ae. Today (October 24), North Korea followed up by releasing photos of Kim providing guidance at the 3rd Conference of Company Commanders of the Korean People's Army.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim stated at the event, "The basic spirit of the 3rd Conference of Company Commanders is to build the strongest military by fostering the strongest companies, and to accelerate our style of military revolution."

His decision to guide the conference of commanders who lead companies—the basic combat unit and daily living base of North Korean soldiers—is seen as an effort to tighten internal discipline while emphasizing the importance of bolstering combat capabilities.

Similar health rumors about Kim surfaced in 2014 and 2020, but North Korea did not release photos at the time even as it reported on his public activities.

This time, North Korea has released a series of photos of Kim, seemingly to emphasize that nothing is wrong with him. However, with speculation continuing to emerge regarding "AI manipulation" and "Kim Jong Un body doubles," the controversy appears likely to linger for some time.

(Story by Jeong Yu-mi | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.