Do Je-hae edits news stories as part of the AI team.
Kim Jong-un's health speculated on again
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supported himself by putting his hands on the podium throughout a 25-minute speech during a military parade in Pyongyang, Saturday. / Yonhap
By Do Je-hae
By Do Je-hae
New questions about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are being asked following his appearance at the 70th anniversary event of its ruling Workers’ Party, Saturday.
Kim reviewed a huge military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in central Pyongyang alongside Liu Yunshan, ranked fifth in China’s ruling Communist Party.
During his second public address since taking power, Kim spoke in a coarse voice, while his physical stance suggested that he may have health problems.
During the 25-minute speech, he did not stand straight and supported himself throughout most of the time by leaning over the podium with his arms.
This was also in contrast to the upright position he held while giving his first public speech three years ago to mark the centennial of North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il-sung.
Analysts said Kim Jong-un may have a back or leg ailment because of his weight, which has continued to balloon in the last few years.
The young leader’s ongoing weight gain has triggered media attention and sparked speculation about his health.
The Chosun Ilbo reported last month that intelligence agencies estimated the young leader weighed about 130 kilograms.
They estimated that the obese dictator had gained more than over 30 kilograms since he took power in 2011.
Last year, Kim’s health crisis was wide ly reported when he disappeared from public for 40 days after he was seen limping on his left leg.