North Korea's history of secrecy over leaders' health

Current leader Kim Jong Un, believed to be 37 years old, sparked new speculation when in early June he appeared to have lost significant weight.

The health of North Korea’s leaders is typically a tightly held state secret in a nuclear-armed country dominated by the Kim family dynasty since its founding in 1948. Current leader Kim Jong Un, believed to be 37 years old, sparked new speculation when in early June he appeared to have lost significant weight. State media made a rare mention of the issue last week by quoting an unnamed Pyongyang resident who said everyone was concerned about the “emaciated” leader. Here are other ways that North Korea’s government has handled reports about its supreme leaders’ health over the years. MISSED ANNIVERSARY In early 2020 speculation about Kim’s health exploded after he was not shown in state media coverage of the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15. State outlets never mentioned or explained the absence, despite intense speculation and rumours in international media. South Korea’s spy agency said in May 2020 that Kim was performing his duties normally but had reduced public activity due to coronavirus concerns.