Response to the claim that "North Korean leader is dead"

Following the claim that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un died after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the Pyongyang administration published images of Kim visiting a clothing and shoe exhibition.

North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Kim attending a clothing and shoe exhibition with government officials and his daughter Kim Ju-ae on October 19.

In the news, many photos of Kim visiting and examining the exhibition with her daughter were shared.

While KCNA's report did not directly respond to the allegations, the news and photos published were considered as a development indicating that "Kim's health condition is good".

Some social media users claimed that Kim suffered a brain hemorrhage and fell into a coma and was transferred to China for treatment, while others claimed that he died.

Diplomatic and security sources speaking to South Korea's Yonhap agency said they had heard "nothing" to support the allegations.

DEATH CLAIMS HAVE BEEN ON THE AGENDA BEFORE

Claims that Kim Jong-un is dead have been made before. Rumors spread that the North Korean leader died after not appearing in public for a long time in 2020.

Former South Korean lawmaker Ji Seong-ho said at the time that he was 99 percent sure that Kim was dead. However, the allegations were not confirmed when Kim was later seen at a factory opening, and Ji apologized for his statements.