North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwell. His officials are apparently seeking new medicines abroad to treat obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Monday (Jul 29), The Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

Last year in January, reports emerged that Kim has been living quite an unhealthy lifestyle as he spends most of his time drinking fine spirits and wines.&nbsp;

The spy agency's fresh claims suggest that there isn't any significant improvement in his lifestyle as the 40-year-old&nbsp;has regained weight and is in a high-risk group for heart disease.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-disavow-many-afghan-diplomatic-missions-abroad-745574">Taliban disavow many Afghan diplomatic missions abroad</a>&nbsp;

Kim is about 170 centimetres (5 feet, 7 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds). The North Korean dictator belongs&nbsp;to a family with a history of heart problems as both his father and grandfather died of heart issues.&nbsp;

In 2021, news about Kim losing weight made waves when he looked slimmer than ever during an event. Some said it was because of health issues, but observers said Kim's weight loss is probably the result of his efforts to improve his physique. He has no apparent health problems.&nbsp;

In a closed-door briefing, the National Intelligence Service, which is South Korea's main spy agency, told lawmakers that Kim is estimated to weigh about 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds) again.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/park-fire-becomes-californias-sixth-largest-wildfire-ever-368000-acres-burnt-in-just-five-days-745550">Park Fire becomes California’s sixth-largest wildfire ever; 368,000 acres burnt in just five days</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers, said that the mentioned weight is considered to be a high-risk group for heart disease.&nbsp;

Lee said that the spy agency informed lawmakers that Kim had displayed signs of diabetes and high blood pressure since he was in his early 30s.&nbsp;

Park Sunwon, a different congressman, stated that the NIS believes that the reason behind Kim's weight gain could be drinking, smoking and stress.&nbsp;

Both lawmakers said that the NIS has learnt that North Korean officials have been attempting to procure new medicines from outside for Kim's alleged diabetes and high blood pressure.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea: Kim Jong's daughter; candidate next in line

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<h2>Who will be Kim's successor?&nbsp;</h2>

According to South Korean MPs, the briefing by the spy agency also included Kim grooming his teenage daughter as his successor to lead the nation.&nbsp;

The daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whose age has not been confirmed, has been seen with her father at a variety of events, fuelling speculation that Kim Jong Un has chosen her as heir apparent to lead a fourth generation of hereditary rule by his family.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwell. His officials are apparently seeking new medicines abroad to treat obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Monday (Jul 29), The Associated Press reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwell. His officials are apparently seeking new medicines abroad to treat obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Monday (Jul 29), The Associated Press reported. Last year in January, reports emerged that Kim has been living quite an unhealthy lifestyle as he spends most of his time drinking fine spirits and wines. The spy agency's fresh claims suggest that there isn't any significant improvement in his lifestyle as the 40-year-old has regained weight and is in a high-risk group for heart disease. Also read: Taliban disavow many Afghan diplomatic missions abroad Kim is about 170 centimetres (5 feet, 7 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds). The North Korean dictator belongs to a family with a history of heart problems as both his father and grandfather died of heart issues. In 2021, news about Kim losing weight made waves when he looked slimmer than ever during an event. Some said it was because of health issues, but observers said Kim's weight loss is probably the result of his efforts to improve his physique. He has no apparent health problems. In a closed-door briefing, the National Intelligence Service, which is South Korea's main spy agency, told lawmakers that Kim is estimated to weigh about 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds) again. Also read: Park Fire becomes California’s sixth-largest wildfire ever; 368,000 acres burnt in just five days As quoted by the news agency, Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers, said that the mentioned weight is considered to be a high-risk group for heart disease. Lee said that the spy agency informed lawmakers that Kim had displayed signs of diabetes and high blood pressure since he was in his early 30s. Park Sunwon, a different congressman, stated that the NIS believes that the reason behind Kim's weight gain could be drinking, smoking and stress. Both lawmakers said that the NIS has learnt that North Korean officials have been attempting to procure new medicines from outside for Kim's alleged diabetes and high blood pressure. Watch: North Korea: Kim Jong's daughter; candidate next in line × Who will be Kim's successor? According to South Korean MPs, the briefing by the spy agency also included Kim grooming his teenage daughter as his successor to lead the nation. The daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whose age has not been confirmed, has been seen with her father at a variety of events, fuelling speculation that Kim Jong Un has chosen her as heir apparent to lead a fourth generation of hereditary rule by his family. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un piles on weight again, North Korea seeks medicine for his health issues: Report

A few months after the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;disappeared from the public eye, there are new speculations about his sudden weight loss.

Kim is known to have a heavy frame and has been the point of discussion many times because of this. However, recent photographs show him much slimmer, which has sparked speculations about his health.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-bans-mullet-haircuts-nose-piercings-and-skinny-jeans-in-the-fight-against-capitalism-387760">&nbsp;North Korea bans mullet haircuts, nose piercings, and skinny jeans in the fight against capitalism</a>

The images that appeared in South Korea's&nbsp;state-run media house Yonhap showed that the leader has had to readjust the strap of his watch tightened on his left wrist.

The North Korean leader is a chain smoker and has, in the recent past, faced a few medical problems, some reportedly leading to surgeries.

His father, Kim Jong-il, &nbsp;passed away due to a suspected heart attack in December 2011, which many believe was due to the bad lifestyle that he followed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-presents-plans-to-stabilise-battered-north-korean-economy-390070">Kim Jong Un presents plans to stabilise battered North Korean economy</a>

It is believed that the apple did not fall far from the tree, as Kim Jong Un is also infamous for his unhealthy lifestyle.

While many think the weight loss might be a result of some health problem, some also speculate that it might be a conscious decision to protect his reputation and improve his standing in North Korea.

The country has been suffering from food shortage as the economic crisis has worsened since the trade relationship with China took a dramatic fall, and the natural disasters and international sanctions made things worse.

A few months after the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un disappeared from the public eye, there are new speculations about his sudden weight loss. Kim is known to have a heavy frame and has been the point of discussion many times because of this.

A few months after the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un disappeared from the public eye, there are new speculations about his sudden weight loss. Kim is known to have a heavy frame and has been the point of discussion many times because of this. However, recent photographs show him much slimmer, which has sparked speculations about his health. Also read | North Korea bans mullet haircuts, nose piercings, and skinny jeans in the fight against capitalism The images that appeared in South Korea's state-run media house Yonhap showed that the leader has had to readjust the strap of his watch tightened on his left wrist. The North Korean leader is a chain smoker and has, in the recent past, faced a few medical problems, some reportedly leading to surgeries. His father, Kim Jong-il, passed away due to a suspected heart attack in December 2011, which many believe was due to the bad lifestyle that he followed. Also read | Kim Jong Un presents plans to stabilise battered North Korean economy It is believed that the apple did not fall far from the tree, as Kim Jong Un is also infamous for his unhealthy lifestyle. While many think the weight loss might be a result of some health problem, some also speculate that it might be a conscious decision to protect his reputation and improve his standing in North Korea. The country has been suffering from food shortage as the economic crisis has worsened since the trade relationship with China took a dramatic fall, and the natural disasters and international sanctions made things worse.

Kim Jong Un's sudden weight loss sparks rumours about his health

China on Friday sent a team of experts, including several medical professionals, to North Korea to provide guidance on the health condition of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

China sends medical team to check on Kim Jong-un