Kim Jong-un dead? The dramatic rumors and the mystery in North Korea

Rumors about Kim Jong-un's death from a cerebral hemorrhage have spread online, but there is no official confirmation. Meanwhile, North Korean state media published new photos of the leader visiting an exhibition, weakening the claims.

Rumors about the death of Kim Jong-un, the 42-year-old North Korean leader, spread on social media after a Chinese opposition activist claimed he suffered a severe cerebral hemorrhage, fell into a coma, and died. The claims have no official confirmation or independent evidence. The rumors intensified following a report of a temporary halt in activity of the government news site 'Pyongyang Times', but North Korean news sites frequently suffer access disruptions. However, on October 20, North Korean state media published new photos of Kim visiting a clothing and footwear exhibition, reportedly taken the previous day. The photos, which have not been independently verified, significantly weaken the death claims. This is not the first time: in April 2020, similar rumors spread after Kim's absence, and he reappeared three weeks later.