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Kim Jong-Un’s Watch Could Hold Major Clue About His Health Amid Conspiracy Theories

Kim Jong-Un’s Watch Could Hold Major Clue About His Health Amid Conspiracy Theories

A new report appears to show the North Korean leader is wearing his watch a notch or two tighter

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

It appears Kim Jong Un has lost weight, with state media images showing the North Korean leader wearing his fancy $12,000 (£8,500) watch on a tighter notch than in previous photos.

A report in NK News shows comparison images of Kim's wrist in November last year, March this year and new images released last Saturday all of which show him wearing his luxury IWC Schaffhausen Portofino watch - with the more recent shot showing the watch strap tighter on his wrist.

Twitter/NK News

This has prompted speculation that Kim, who is believed to be around 37, has shed a few pounds.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) told MPs last year that Kim had put on a 'substantial' amount of weight each year since he took power in 2011.

The Yonhap News Agency reported in November last year, that NIS said Kim weighed 140kg having 'gained an average of six to seven kilograms per year' since late 2011.

Kim Jong Un on Friday 4 June.
PA

Mike Brodka, an intelligence officer for U.S. Special Operations Command in South Korea, told NK News: "On the surface, noticeable weight loss may not mean much, but it can provide clues to other information that intelligence collectors look for."

He added: "It may be a simple matter of a healthy lifestyle change or a more complex issue.

"Right now, we do not know, but it raises enough serious questions that we must pay attention to events over the next couple of months to find out."

While Colin Zwirko, a senior analytic correspondent, told the news outlet: "Foreign intelligence agencies want to know is Kim Jong Un healthy enough to remain the leader for a long amount of time.

Kim Jong Un in April 2020.
PA

"What's going on behind the scenes, if he's unhealthy? And how does that affect security in the region given North Korea has nuclear weapons."

The images, which are the first time Kim has been seen in public for almost a month, have sparked fresh speculation and comment about Kim's health.

For years, rumours surrounding his health have swirled online and last year there were even false claims he had died following heart surgery.

In 2014, he wasn't seen for six weeks before reappearing with a walking stick.

According to South Korea's spy agency, his disappearance was prompted by surgery on his ankle to remove a cyst.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, Kim Jong Un, North Korea