North Korea releases photos of Kim Jong Un after death rumours

North Korea has released photos of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting shoes and women’s clothing, hours after rumours spread online that he had died from a brain hemorrhage.

The images, published by state media on Monday, show Kim touring a garment and footwear exhibition with his daughter Ju-ae. The Korean Central News Agency reported the visit, but the photos have not been independently authenticated, and it is unclear when they were taken, the New York Post reports.

The rumours followed claims by US-based Chinese dissident Wanjun Xie on X on Sunday. He alleged Kim fell into a coma, was taken to Beijing and died there. None of the claims came with medical records, identifiable witnesses or other verifiable evidence.

Pyongyang has not directly addressed the reports. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers on Sept. 30 that it had detected no significant signs of ill health, though it noted Kim weighs about 140 kilograms and faces an elevated cardiovascular risk.