Kim Jong Un Is 20 kg Slimmer, Not Using Body Double, Spy Agency Says
NDTV
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tipped the scales at about 140 kg in 2019 and has dropped weight since then, the agency told lawmakers Thursday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dropped about 20 kilograms (44 pounds), South Korea's spy agency believes, and it dismissed speculation he was using a body double.
Kim tipped the scales at about 140 kg in 2019 and has dropped weight since then, the agency told lawmakers Thursday. Its estimates were based on optimal facial analysis, weight-tracking models and an analysis of high-resolution video, ruling party representative Kim Byung-kee told reporters.
The agency said rumors the North Korean leader had been using a body double were groundless, based on their analysis that also used artificial intelligence. It added Kim appeared to be in good health, the lawmaker said.
The 37-year-old leader -- overweight and a smoker -- has been the subject of health speculation for years and his public appearances are closely tracked for insights about the autocratic and secretive regime in Pyongyang, especially since his family has a history of heart disease.
