NIS: "Kim Jong Un is morbidly obese at 140 kg, but can run up stairs"

Zelensky appears to have expected support such as weapons; no aid provided by Korea

50% chance of North Korea–US dialogue around November's APEC in China

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported information regarding trends within North Korea's leadership, as well as the relationships between North Korea and Russia and between North Korea and China, during a closed-door meeting of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee.

On September 30, Yoon Kunyoung of the Democratic Party and Yoo Youngha of the People Power Party, both secretary members of the Intelligence Committee, shared the details of the NIS report to the press following the closed Q&A session.

Yonhap News

"Kim Jong Un: 140kg, Severely Obese... Daughter Juae: 160cm, Over 50kg"

According to the committee secretaries, the NIS first addressed the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit, stating, "There is a 50% chance (of it being held) before or after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit," adding that "North Korea is also trying not to miss this opportunity."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Juae. Photo by Yonhap News Agency.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un carried out a total of 121 public activities this year, marking a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. The NIS analyzed that, amid an ongoing phase of seeking dialogue with the United States, he has refrained from provocative actions such as weapons tests or observing military training exercises.

Although his weight is estimated to be around 140kg, placing him in a category of severe obesity and at high risk for cardiovascular disease, he continues to perform activities such as running up stairs without difficulty. The NIS stated that Chairman Kim is under the management of a dedicated medical team and thus, there seem to be no immediate abnormal signs.

His daughter Juae has made a record 30 appearances in the media this year, expanding her range of activities from military to civil, political, and diplomatic affairs. She has also been positioned at the very center during the visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and made her first public appearance at a memorial site for revolutionary martyrs, signifying an elevated ceremonial status and strengthening her position as a possible successor. The NIS assessed that Juae is about 160cm tall and weighs over 50kg.

North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk, Russia. Screenshot from President Volodymyr Zelensky's Telegram.

"Ukraine Unilaterally Disclosed POW Repatriation to Elicit South Korean Government Support"

In addition, regarding the negotiations for the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war who were captured on January 9 last year, the NIS reported that both South Korea and Ukraine had reached a consensus from the outset to handle the matter privately and had continued discussions accordingly. It was confirmed through diplomatic channels that 'privacy' was a mutually agreed principle.

The government previously maintained confidentiality out of humanitarian considerations and to protect the safety of the POWs and their families still in North Korea. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine unilaterally disclosed the fact of repatriation and a presidential office official denied the existence of a prior confidentiality agreement.

As a result, on September 27, the government officially expressed strong regret to Ukraine and demanded an official explanation and apology. However, to date, Ukraine has not expressed regret or issued an apology.

The NIS stated that the unilateral disclosure by President Zelensky was interpreted as an attempt to elicit various forms of support, including weapons, from the South Korean government on the occasion of the POW repatriation. It also clarified that, at no point during the process, did Ukraine make any official demands as a condition for repatriation, nor did the South Korean government provide any support.

Assemblyman Yoon Kunyoung stated, "In the case of the North Korean POWs who entered South Korea, their voluntary intent to settle in the Republic of Korea was confirmed on multiple occasions," adding, "They entered in mid-September, and no major health problems have been detected."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.