South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has reportedly dismissed rumours that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has died.
The spy agency is understood to have told lawmakers on Friday that claims circulating on social media about the 42-year-old's death are false. The assessment was reportedly delivered during a private meeting with ruling and opposition lawmakers on South Korea's National Assembly Intelligence Committee.
Speculation Spreads on Social Media
The denial comes after speculation over Kim's health spread across social media in South Korea and internationally, with some rumours suggesting he may have died in China.
The NIS has previously said Kim is considered at high risk of cardiovascular disease because of his weight, which the agency has estimated to be around 140kg.
No Further Details Released
No further details from the private meeting have been made public, and the agency has not issued a formal public statement on the matter.
