In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, second right in front, and his daughter, second left, visit a garment and footwear exhibiion in Pyongyang, North Korea Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Independent journalists were … In this photo provided by the … more >

North Korean outlet issues proof-of-life photos of Kim Jong-un

by · The Washington Times

North Korean state media posted photographs on Tuesday of dictator Kim Jong-un attending a shoe and clothing exposition with his daughter, as rumors of his death went viral on social media.

According to the BBC, state newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported taking the photographs of the 42-year-old leader in Pyongyang on Monday.

The photos appeared hours after a Chinese dissident living in the U.S. circulated rumors online that Mr. Kim died in a Beijing hospital after lingering in a coma.

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International media have been unable to verify the photographs.

Rumors have swirled for years about Mr. Kim’s frail health. In July 2024, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers that he weighed about 309 pounds and was at a high risk of heart disease.

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Sean Salai

ssalai@washingtontimes.com

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