North Korea’s state media releases new “proof of life” photos of leader Kim Jong Un after viral social media claims circulated over the weekend that he had died. Reports say the images were posted on Monday, countering unverified rumors that Kim had suffered a fatal medical event.
Across outlets, the pictures show Kim attending or inspecting items at a clothing and shoe expo, including segments where he is accompanied by or alongside his daughter. The leader appears well and moving, according to the descriptions in the coverage, which dispute earlier claims that he had fallen into a coma or died from a brain hemorrhage. Some stories also note that the photos circulated through North Korea’s official channels and were subsequently picked up by international observers.
While the reports focus on the authenticity and timing of the images as a response to online speculation, none of the sources provide independent confirmation of Kim’s health beyond what is visible in the published photos.
