This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
Kim Jong-un's Dead Rumours Erupt Again ¶
Speculation about Kim Jong-un's health has resurfaced after a South Korean diplomat claimed the North Korean leader is in a coma. Chang Song-min, a former aide to South Korea's late president Kim Dae-Jung, made the claim without providing evidence, echoing a previous statement he made in April.
Chang's claim has been met with skepticism, with a South Korean news website calling it 'absurd'. The website noted that Chang was left 'greatly embarrassed' when he made the same claim in April, only for Kim to resurface alive.
Former BBC journalist Roy Calley has also weighed in on the speculation, stating that he believes Kim is dead and his sister Kim Yo-jong will be named the new leader. Calley's comments come after the Seoul's National Intelligence Service announced that Kim will still 'exert absolute power' but will gradually transfer his authority to Kim Yo-jong 'to ease stress'.
Kim's recent absences from public view have sparked rumors that he has been in poor health. However, state media has given no indication that there is anything wrong with the leader, reporting on Sunday that North Korea had launched a new anti-smoking website. The website, called 'Anti-smoking 1.0', provides science-based information to help North Koreans quit smoking.
Kim, who is said to be a heavy smoker, has not kicked the habit despite the new website. He was pictured with a cigarette in his hand during a recent public appearance. The paranoid dictator, who is believed to be around 36 years old, has only been seen a handful of times this year, fueling speculation that he could have died.
