Kim Jong-un Slimmer Than Ever... Shirt Collar Loose Due to Weight Loss

Appeared in Formal Attire at the Party Plenary Meeting... A Sharper Look Than in October

Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, in October last year (left) and recent appearance. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, has attracted attention by appearing at an official event with a noticeably reduced weight. His shirt collar was loose enough to show significant weight loss.

On the 29th, the Korean Central News Agency released photos from the second day of the 4th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party. In the photos, General Secretary Kim wore a dark striped suit, a white shirt, and a silver tie.

Notably, Kim's shirt collar was much looser than before, and his jawline appeared more defined. In the past, when Kim wore a shirt, the collar area was tight. Sometimes, the collar on the side or back was hidden by his chin fat.

However, in the recently released photos, Kim's face appeared generally slimmer, making the shirt collar look loose.

Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, was reported by the Korean Central News Agency on the 29th to have attended the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party on the 28th, dressed in a suit, shirt, and tie. General Secretary Kim appeared with a more relaxed neckline and a sharper jawline compared to before. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The National Intelligence Service reported at the October parliamentary audit that Kim's weight was about 140 kg in 2019 and had decreased by approximately 20 kg. It is estimated that Kim has continued to lose weight since then.

In June, North Korea's Korean Central Television reported a resident's comment saying, "When seeing the beloved General Secretary looking thin, the people felt the deepest pain."

However, some have raised health concerns over Kim's rapid weight loss. There is also speculation that Kim, who was severely obese, may have lost weight due to complications such as diabetes and hypertension. In June, the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media NK News stated, "This is a significant change that cannot be seen as simple weight loss," adding that intelligence agencies from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are closely monitoring the situation.

Considering that Chairman Kim is presumed to have suffered from adult diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which also run in his family, NK News reported at the time that the possibility that the rapid weight change is due to health issues cannot be ruled out.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.