Rumors of Kim Jong Un's death spread worldwide; North Korea releases new photos

Various claims regarding the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have circulated on social media. However, no reliable evidence of his death has emerged. In fact, new images released by state media show him attending an exhibition of clothing and footwear.

Following claims on social media that North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un had died, discussions have arisen internationally. As of October 20, 2026, however, there has been no official confirmation of his death. South Korean officials have also stated that they have not received any credible information to support these claims. In contrast to the rumors surrounding his death, North Korean state media has released new photographs.

How did the rumors of his death spread?

Posts on various social media platforms claimed that Kim Jong Un had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and subsequently fallen into a coma. Some posts further alleged that he had been taken to Beijing, China, for medical treatment and had passed away there.

These claims gained significant traction following a post by Wanjun Shi, a known Chinese dissident. The post alleged not only that Kim had died, but also that his sister, Kim Yo Jong, had assumed power.

However, no independently verified evidence has been presented to support these claims. Similarly, there is no credible evidence to substantiate the assertion that Chinese troops have been deployed to North Korea.

What do the new images show?

On October 20, North Korea’s state news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), released several photographs of Kim Jong Un. According to the agency, he had visited an exhibition of clothing and footwear in Pyongyang the previous day.

The images show him examining various products and speaking with officials. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Kim Ju-ae, were also seen in some of the photographs.

According to state media reports, Kim emphasized the need to improve the quality of domestically produced clothing and footwear. However, while images of his presence at the exhibition were released, it has not been possible to independently verify when or under what circumstances these photos were taken. 

Why do such rumors circulate repeatedly?

Information regarding the health and personal lives of North Korea’s political leadership is extremely limited to the outside world. Consequently, whenever Kim Jong-un remains out of the public eye for an extended period, various speculations arise concerning his physical condition.

In 2020, after he was not seen in public for some time, rumors spread that he was either critically ill or had died. He later appeared in state media, attending the inauguration of a fertilizer factory.

These past instances highlight the need for caution regarding current rumors. Just as the images released by state media cast doubt on claims of his death, one cannot reach definitive conclusions about his health without independent verification

Why is there discussion about the future of power in North Korea?

Should Kim Jong-un die or become unable to lead, questions regarding the succession of power in North Korea would inevitably arise. His daughter, Kim Ju-ae, has been discussed internationally as a potential successor. Meanwhile, his sister, Kim Yo-jong, is known to be an influential figure in the country’s politics.

However, claims that Kim Yo-jong has assumed power—based on rumors of Kim Jong-un’s death—remain unconfirmed. At present, there is insufficient information to draw any reliable conclusions about how North Korea’s future leadership will be determined.

While international interest in Kim Jong-un’s health and the future of North Korean leadership persists, the most critical point for now is that his death has not been confirmed, and there is no credible evidence to support the claims circulating on social media.