Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Both his father and grandfather died of heart attacks.
South Korean intelligence officials have updated their assessment of Kim Jong Un, and it’s an interesting one.
AFP cites lawmaker Youn Kun-young, who briefed reporters on the findings: the North Korean leader’s “health condition is classified as extremely obese, weighing over 140 kilogrammes (about 310 pounds)”.
That weight brings significant dangers. Officials noted that Kim faces a “high risk of cardiovascular disease”, a concern compounded by his heavy cigarette habit.
Even so, intelligence officers see no immediate sign that he is struggling day to day. Youn explained that Kim shows no trouble with physical tasks, including running up stairs, and added that “there are no signs of health issues, given the close monitoring by [his] dedicated medical team.”
Family health history
Global observers watch these reports with intense scrutiny. In a nuclear-armed nation with no clear heir, a sudden medical emergency could trigger deep instability across the region.
Heart problems are a long-standing family trait. Both Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, died from heart attacks after suffering from obesity as well as being heavy smokers.
Fears about succession are far from theoretical. Back in 2020, Kim vanished from public view for nearly three weeks, missing a major ceremony honoring his grandfather.
That absence sparked intense international speculation about potential heart surgery.
Luxury behind borders
While the leader receives round-the-clock medical attention, his country faces a starkly different reality. North Korea remains under heavy international sanctions that hamper its state-run economy.
Ordinary citizens continue to deal with severe hardship, but inside the palace, the dining table looks radically different.
Executive chef Paul Smart worked near Kim’s personal culinary team during the 2019 Hanoi summit with the United States.
Smart recalled that the North Korean chief had a taste for rare meats and expensive delicacies. According to his staff, “He likes caviar, lobster, really luxurious products. Foie gras, he really likes to indulge in cuisine.”
Nearly 15 years in power
The North Korean leader took control of the country in 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.
Other than being the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, he also serves as the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs Commission.
North Korea was founded by Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, in 1948, making Kim Jong Un the third ruler of the country.
During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ties between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have deepened, with North Korea supplying Russia with troops for Ukraine as well as munitions and equipment.
