North Korean leader Kim Jong Un weighs more than 140 kilogrammes and has been classified as “extremely obese” by South Korea’s intelligence agency, according to a briefing to lawmakers on Wednesday.
South Korean lawmaker Youn Kun-young, who cited information from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), said Kim’s weight places him at a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, the intelligence assessment reportedly found no current signs of health problems.
Youn said Kim has also shown no difficulty with physical activity, including running up stairs, while his health is being closely monitored by a dedicated medical team.
The latest assessment has renewed international attention on the North Korean leader’s health, given his position at the helm of a nuclear-armed country.
Kim has previously attracted speculation over his health. In 2020, he disappeared from public view for about 20 days after missing an event marking the birthday of his late grandfather, Kim Il Sung.
The absence fuelled widespread speculation about his health, although no confirmed information at the time established that he was seriously ill.
Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, were also known to be obese and heavy smokers. Both died after suffering heart attacks.
The South Korean intelligence assessment comes as Kim continues to lead North Korea, which remains technically at war with South Korea following the 1953 armistice.
