Pyongyang:North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was featured in photos released by state media on Tuesday, following widespread rumors on social media suggesting he had died from a brain hemorrhage. The images showed Kim attending a consumer goods exhibition, which included clothing and footwear, on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the photos were published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The images depicted Kim Jong Un touring the exhibition alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, and various party and government officials.

The rumors of Kim's death began circulating after Xie Wanjun, who claims to be the chairman of the China Democracy Party—a group banned by China—posted on social media that Kim had experienced a "severe cerebral hemorrhage and fallen into a coma." He further alleged that Kim was moved to Peking Union Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment due to inadequate medical facilities in North Korea.

Xie, residing in the US, also claimed that Kim Jong Un succumbed to his condition and that his body was secretly returned to North Korea with authorities hiding news of his death. However, North Korean state media often releases photos and reports of Kim's activities, making such rumors challenging to confirm independently.

This is not the first time speculation about Kim's health has arisen, as North Korea's closed-off nature complicates the verification of reports regarding its leadership. Kim Jong Un is believed to be 42 years old and reportedly has health issues, but no official confirmation of his medical condition has been made public.

Source Anadolu Agency – English