Kim Jong Un ‘Extremely Obese’, Weighs Over 140kg — South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is estimated to weigh more than 140 kilogrammes (310 pounds) and is classified as “extremely obese”, South Korea’s spy agency has said.

South Korean lawmaker Youn Kun-young disclosed the assessment on Wednesday after a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which continues to monitor the North Korean leader’s health.

The NIS reportedly assessed Kim as being at high risk of cardiovascular disease, although officials said he has shown no apparent difficulty with physical activity, including climbing stairs.

Youn said the agency had also assessed that there were currently no clear signs of health problems, citing the close monitoring of Kim by his medical team.

Kim’s health has remained a subject of international interest because of the uncertainty surrounding succession in the nuclear-armed country. Previous speculation intensified in 2020 after he disappeared from public view for several weeks.

The latest assessment follows earlier South Korean intelligence reports about Kim’s weight and health. However, because North Korea tightly controls information about its leadership, independent verification of his medical condition is difficult.

Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, were also reported to have been heavy smokers and obese. Both died from heart-related conditions.

North Korea, meanwhile, continues to face international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes, alongside longstanding economic difficulties and food shortages.

The United Nations has previously identified food insecurity as a major humanitarian concern in the country.