North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is estimated to weigh more than 140kg and is considered to be at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The latest assessment, reported by South Korean lawmakers citing intelligence briefings, places Kim in the “extremely obese” category. However, the same assessment found no obvious signs that he is currently experiencing serious health problems.
Kim’s weight, combined with his known smoking habits, has prompted continued attention over his long-term health, particularly given the family history of cardiovascular problems. His father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, were both heavy smokers and died from heart-related conditions.
Despite the concerns, South Korean lawmaker Youn Kun-young said Kim appeared capable of carrying out physical activities without obvious difficulty, citing the close monitoring he receives from his personal medical team.
Questions over Kim’s health have resurfaced periodically, including in 2020 when he disappeared from public view for around 20 days, triggering widespread speculation about his condition.
Kim’s reported diet has also attracted attention. Paul Smart, a former executive chef at Hanoi’s Metropole hotel who worked with chefs associated with Kim during the 2019 US-North Korea summit, previously said the North Korean leader enjoyed luxury foods including caviar, lobster and foie gras.
Meanwhile, the issue of Kim’s health remains closely watched because of its potential implications for leadership succession in the nuclear-armed country.
South Korean intelligence has previously assessed that Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is being positioned as a potential successor, although North Korea has not officially announced a succession plan.
The NIS has also continued monitoring Kim’s public appearances and health-related indicators, but North Korea keeps such information tightly controlled, making independent confirmation of his exact medical condition difficult.
