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North Korea has released photographs of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting children's shoes and women's clothing, hours after unverified claims circulated online that he had died following a medical emergency.
The images show the 42-year-old touring a garment and footwear exhibition, examining products and gesturing toward officials. North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited the event on Monday, although the photographs have not been independently authenticated and their exact date remains unclear.
The release follows claims that Kim suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, fell into a coma, and died after being taken to Beijing for emergency treatment.
Wanjun Xie, a U.S.-based Chinese dissident associated with the China Democracy Party, set off the rumors with a series of posts on X on Sunday. He initially claimed Kim had died and that China had sent 9,000 troops to Pyongyang over concerns about a possible succession crisis.
Xie later alleged that specialists from Beijing's Peking Union Medical College Hospital traveled to North Korea on Saturday to treat Kim for a severe brain hemorrhage. He claimed the leader fell into a coma, was taken to Beijing and died despite medical treatment, before his body was secretly returned to North Korea.
However, Xie provided no medical records, identifiable witnesses or other independently verifiable evidence to support his claims. The allegations nevertheless spread across social media and attracted coverage from international news outlets.
The rumors also prompted speculation about whether Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, had taken control of the country. North Korean authorities have yet to publicly address the reports of his alleged death.
Kim's health has remained a subject of international scrutiny, partly because of the secrecy surrounding North Korea's leadership and the potential implications of a sudden change at the top.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in late September that Kim weighed around 140 kilograms (309 pounds), putting him at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, the agency reported no clear signs of a serious health problem, noting that he had managed to run up stairs during an inspection of a naval destroyer. His medical team was also believed to be closely monitoring his condition.
Kim took power in December 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, continuing a family dynasty established by his grandfather, North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung.
Under his rule, Pyongyang has continued to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, while relations with Washington and Seoul have remained tense.
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