NIS: "Rumors of Kim Jong Un's Death Are False"... Briefs National Assembly Intelligence Committee

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reportedly told the National Assembly Intelligence Committee that the recently circulating rumors of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's death were false.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toured an exhibition of clothing and footwear products from the light industry sector, held under the theme “A Drive to Develop New Products and Improve Quality,” with his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju on the 19th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 20th. Pyongyang, Korean Central News Agency-Yonhap News.

On October 23, the NIS reportedly met with ruling and opposition party members of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee and briefed them on the matter behind closed doors.

The NIS reportedly said the rumors that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had died, which had spread mainly on social media at home and abroad, were false.

In a briefing on pending issues to the Intelligence Committee on September 30, the NIS said, "Kim Jong Un is severely obese, weighing around 140 kg, and at high risk of cardiovascular disease. However, he has been able to move without difficulty, including running up stairs during an inspection of a destroyer, and is receiving close care from a dedicated medical team. We therefore judge that there are no notable signs of health problems."

The briefing reportedly also covered Kim Yo Jong's inspection on October 20, alongside Pak Jong Chon, an adviser to the Ministry of National Defense, of a construction site for fortifications along the southern border.

One attendee said the NIS had explained that it was difficult to conclude that Kim Yo Jong's status had changed.

There was reportedly no briefing at the meeting on prospects for North Korea-U.S. dialogue or preparations for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to China.

The NIS is scheduled to face a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on October 29, when various security issues, including developments in North Korea, are expected to be discussed in detail.

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