South Korean diplomatic and security officials have said they had heard "nothing" to support speculation that Kim Jong-un had died after suffering a brain hemorrhage. The claims circulated on Tuesday, reported by British tabloids, the New York Post and India's Economic Times, citing social media posts that said Kim had fallen into a coma and was rushed to a hospital in Beijing.
Origin of the claims
The allegations reportedly began with a post on X by Wanjun Xie, a Chinese dissident based in the United States. On Monday, Xie alleged that Kim had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, lost consciousness and was transferred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital because of North Korea's poor medical facilities.
He further claimed that Kim had died, that his body had been secretly returned to North Korea and that his death was being concealed. No evidence was provided to substantiate the claims.
State media images of Kim in Pyongyang
North Korean state media did not directly address the rumours, but reported on Tuesday that Kim had visited a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang the previous day. Pictures showed him touring the event with his daughter, Ju-ae, although the images have not been independently authenticated and their exact date remains unclear.
Analyst: rumour remains hearsay
Rachel Minyoung Lee, a Senior Fellow for the Stimson Center's Korea Program, told Newsweek: "So far this rumor remains hearsay and unsubstantiated. I also believe the originator of this rumor, Wanjun Xie, has a history of starting rumors about Xi's death."
Lee said there had been no unusual activity in North Korean state media or leadership appearances to suggest Kim was incapacitated. She said: "State media have reported on Kim Jong Un making a public appearance as recently as October 19."
She added: "While that was state media reporting and therefore remains independently unverified, there are no other signs pointing to anything unusual regarding Kim Jong Un."
Who is Wanjun Xie?
Xie identifies himself as chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party, an organisation banned by Chinese authorities. He has previously circulated unverified claims about Chinese President Xi Jinping, including speculation about his death and the alleged use of a body double.
Explaining why such rumours repeatedly emerge, Lee said: "I think these rumors reflect both the secretive nature of the North Korean regime and the potentially far-reaching consequences of the death of a leader who controls a heavily nuclear-armed state in one of the world's geopolitical hotspots."
She added: "North Korea does not typically disclose information about its leader's health. When Kim Jong Un disappears from public view for an extended period, it can fuel speculation about his health, even in the absence of credible evidence."
For now, claims of Kim's death remain unsubstantiated, with no independently verified evidence supporting the allegations.
