North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly facing health troubles. If the latest reports are to be believed, the North Korean leader is more obese than ever. His deputies are apparently seeking foreign medicines to treat him for high blood pressure and diabetes.
South Korean lawmakers Lee Seong-Kwuen and Park Sunwon said in a joint briefing, “He could have been suffering from medical conditions that are difficult to deal with the currently available medicine.”
How Much Does Kim Jong Un Weigh?
The 40-year-old dictator weighs about 308 pounds which rounds up to 140kgs.
The South Korean officials mentioned mentioned that this is believed to be his highest recorded weight, placing him at a “high risk” of heart disease. They also noted that he has shown signs of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s.
The NIS was quoted as saying, “We concluded that his health issues are likely due to stress, smoking and drinking.”
Is Kim Jong Un At The Risk Of Hereditary Cardiovascular Diseases?
If untreated, Kim Jong Un could be at risk for hereditary cardiovascular diseases, as both his grandfather and father, previous leaders of the regime, died from heart conditions, the sources said.
The lawmakers noted that Kim has been seeking “alternative medicinal substances,” leading to speculation that he may be dealing with health issues that cannot be quickly resolved.
Kim, previously estimated by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to be around 5 feet 7 inches tall, appeared to have lost about 44 pounds three years ago.
State media footage from that period showed a slimmer Kim, raising concerns about his health. However, observers believed the weight loss was due to a diet change aimed at improving his physique and boosting public loyalty. Recent footage, however, indicates that Kim has likely regained weight.
Who Will Succeed Kim Jong Un If Something Happens To Him?
While there is no definitive way for outsiders to assess Kim Jong-un’s health, South Korea’s intelligence agency has used artificial intelligence and forensic video analysis to study his condition.
Kim’s health is a significant concern internationally, as he has not officially named a successor for the nuclear-armed nation, which is increasingly confronting the United States and its ally, South Korea.
He has also been enhancing his personality cult to reinforce his position as the leader and garner public support amid economic challenges.
Although no formal announcement has been made, the NIS believes that Kim’s young daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is likely the heir apparent, as she often accompanies him to military events.
She is estimated to be around 10 or 11 years old and first appeared publicly in 2022, watching an intercontinental ballistic missile test and later attending a large military parade with her father. However, the NIS suggests that it is possible she could be replaced by one of her siblings in the future.
