Unverified Rumors Claim Kim Jong Un Died of Brain Hemorrhage
Unverified social media reports claim North Korean leader Kim Jong Un died after a cerebral hemorrhage, though no credible evidence supports the rumors.
Unverified rumors circulating on social media claim that Kim Jong Un has died following a severe cerebral hemorrhage. The reports allege that the North Korean leader fell into a coma and was transferred to the Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China, for emergency care because Pyongyang lacked adequate medical facilities. Wanjun Xie, chairman of the China Democracy Party, claimed that Kim succumbed to his injuries after the optimal window for treatment passed.
Further unsubstantiated claims suggest the Government of China dispatched 9,000 troops to Pyongyang to help Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, stabilize the regime amid succession fears. Other analysts suggest his sister, Kim Yo Jong, would likely serve as an interim leader until Kim Ju Ae is old enough to take power.
There is no credible evidence to support these reports. State media indicates Kim appeared in good health during public appearances on October 10 and October 13, including a tour of the Second Economic Committee National Defense Revolution Museum in Pyongyang. Observers also note the absence of the orchestrated public grief typically associated with the death of a North Korean leader. Previously, South Korea's National Intelligence Service warned that Kim's smoking habits and obesity put him at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
