In brief
North Korea’s state‑media rolled out images of Kim Jong Un touring a clothing exhibition, proving he’s still alive as rumours of his death swirl again. The secrecy of the regime, coupled with uncertainty about succession—especially with his 13‑year‑old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, rising in prominence—feeds speculation. Health concerns and the unpredictable global reaction add fuel to the plot. Find out why the internet keeps chasing his fate.
North Korea’s state media just shared fresh photos of Kim Jong Un touring a fashion show with his daughter—so the internet’s rumours that he died from a brain haemorrhage are looking shaky.
The pictures were posted by Rodong Sinmun hours after a Chinese dissident named Wanjun Xie claimed Kim had been rushed to Beijing, lost the fight, and was secretly buried in Pyongyang. In a secretive country, anyone can scribble a headline and it feels real…
But why do these rumours pop up so often? A quick trip through North Korea’s family‑dynasty history shows the stakes: the Kim clan has ruled for three generations, yet Kim Jong Un’s future leadership plan isn’t clear‑cut, and his 13‑year‑old daughter Kim Ju Ae has started to appear in public.
Health worries also matter. Kim is overweight, smokes heavily, and North Korean officials have warned that he’s “high risk” for heart problems—a real worry for any leader who might disappear unexpectedly.
If something were to happen, countries around the table would react. China could tighten borders, South Korea could step up intelligence, and even the U.S. troops in Korea would stay on edge.
Catch the video: What do a teenager’s clothes tell us about North Korea’s future?
