N Korea releases “proof of life” photos of Kim Jong Un after death rumours: Report

NEW YORK:  North Korea has released fresh photographs of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting footwear and women’s clothing at an exhibition, following unverified social media claims that the dictator had died from a brain haemorrhage, the New York Post reported.

The photographs, published by North Korean state media on Monday, show Kim examining children’s footwear, gesturing towards officials and inspecting women’s coats at a garment and footwear exhibition.

According to the New York Post, the images emerged hours after claims circulated online alleging that the 42-year-old leader had suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage, fallen into a coma and died after being rushed to Beijing for emergency treatment.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim toured the exhibition on Monday. However, the photographs have not been independently authenticated, and it remains unclear exactly when they were taken.

One photograph showed Kim bending forward to inspect a small pink shoe held by a woman, while another captured him gesturing with his arms outstretched as he appeared to address an official. A third image showed him reaching towards the sleeve of a woman’s coat displayed on a mannequin.

On the sidelines, Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident associated with the China Democracy Party, said in a post on X on Monday, “Rumours of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have been circulating online for days, but Kim Jong Un has not yet made a public appearance to deny them.

This indirectly confirms that the rumours of Kim Jong Un’s death are likely true. Furthermore, it is rumoured that after Kim Jong-un’s death, the North Korean regime has not been transferred to his daughter Kim Ju-ae, but is currently in the hands of his sister Kim Yo-jong.

He added, “After assuming power, Kim Yo-jong immediately activated loudspeaker broadcasts to South Korea and fired 201 warning shots. She also warned South Korea that North Korea was considering a comprehensive upgrade of its tactical strike capabilities. This sudden intensification of threats against South Korea is clearly aimed at strengthening her control over the North Korean military and consolidating her power through strong external threats. This indirectly confirms the rumours that Kim Jong-un is dead and that Kim Yo-jong is currently in control of the regime; these rumours are likely true.”