North Korea Releases New Photos of Kim Jong Un After Unverified Death Rumours
Pyongyang, October 20, 2026: North Korea has released new photographs of leader Kim Jong Un visiting a national clothing and footwear exhibition, following unverified online claims that he had died after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The images, published by the country's state-run media, show Kim inspecting products at the exhibition alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim visited the 2026 National Garment and Footwear Exhibition in Pyongyang on October 19. The photographs show him examining children's shoes, women's clothing and coats while interacting with officials at the event.
The images appeared after claims about Kim's alleged death and medical condition spread across social media. However, the allegations have not been supported by publicly available medical records or independently verified evidence. North Korean state media has reported his public appearance, but the photographs do not provide an independent medical assessment of his health.
What do the new photographs show?
The images released by North Korean state media show Kim touring the exhibition and reviewing products manufactured by domestic industries. In one photograph, he is seen leaning forward to examine a small shoe. Other images show him looking at clothing displays and speaking with officials.
Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, according to KCNA. The exhibition reportedly displayed tens of thousands of clothing products and more than 170,000 pairs of shoes produced by factories across North Korea.
State media presented the exhibition as an example of progress in the country's light industry and regional development policies. Kim reportedly praised the products and discussed efforts to improve manufacturing outside the capital.
The release of the photographs attracted international attention because it followed a wave of speculation about Kim's whereabouts and health. Nevertheless, the images were distributed by North Korean authorities, and independent journalists were not present to verify the event directly.
How did the death rumours begin?
The latest rumours circulated online over the weekend of October 17 and 18. Posts attributed to Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident, alleged that Kim had suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage, fallen into a coma and been taken to Beijing for emergency medical treatment.
Some posts subsequently claimed that Kim had died and that his sister, Kim Yo Jong, had taken control of the country. Other unverified claims alleged that China had deployed troops to Pyongyang amid concerns about a possible succession crisis.
However, these claims were not accompanied by publicly verifiable medical documents or independently confirmed evidence. There has been no credible public confirmation that Kim died, that his sister assumed power or that Chinese troops were deployed to North Korea as part of a leadership transition.
The appearance reported by North Korean state media challenges the online claims that Kim had died. However, responsible reporting requires a distinction between a reported public appearance and independent confirmation of a person's medical condition.
Why is Kim Jong Un's health closely watched?
Kim Jong Un's health has long been a subject of international interest because North Korea provides limited information about its leadership. Any prolonged absence from public events can trigger speculation about his condition and the country's political future.
South Korean intelligence officials have previously assessed Kim's health risks, including concerns associated with his weight and cardiovascular health. Such assessments do not, however, establish that he has suffered a particular medical emergency.
Changes in North Korea's leadership would have important implications for regional security, relations with South Korea, Japan and the United States, and the country's nuclear weapons programme. This is one reason why governments and analysts closely monitor reports about Kim's public appearances.
What about speculation over succession?
The online rumours also prompted discussion about who might lead North Korea if Kim were unable to govern. His sister, Kim Yo Jong, has held a senior position within the country's political establishment, while his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has appeared alongside him at several public events.
However, public appearances alone do not establish a formal succession arrangement. North Korea has not publicly confirmed that Kim Yo Jong has taken control of the government or that a transfer of power has occurred.
Kim Ju Ae's appearances have attracted attention from international observers, but her future political role remains uncertain. Any claims about an imminent succession should therefore be treated cautiously unless supported by reliable evidence or official announcements.
A history of health speculation
Rumours about Kim's health have surfaced on several occasions in the past. His absence from public view has previously led to speculation about serious illness and possible political changes. Some earlier reports proved inaccurate when he subsequently appeared at public events.
North Korea's restricted media environment makes independent verification particularly difficult. State media reports can provide information about official activities, but independent journalists generally have limited access to the country's leadership and cannot routinely verify the details surrounding such events.
What is known so far?
The confirmed development in the latest reports is that North Korean state media published photographs showing Kim Jong Un at a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang. The agency said he attended the event with his daughter and wife on October 19.
The claims that he suffered a brain haemorrhage, died or was replaced by his sister remain unverified. The photographs do not establish his full medical condition or resolve every question about North Korea's leadership.
For now, the public appearance reported by state media has challenged the latest death rumours, while broader questions about Kim's health and the country's eventual succession arrangements remain unresolved.
