Is It Diligence or a Health Issue... Kim Jong-un's Increasing 'White Hair'

Front and Side Hair Stretched with Sanded Hair
North Korean Propaganda Emphasizes 'Diligence'
Some Raise Health Concerns

On the 22nd, Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who visited the site of North Korea's military satellite launch, was noted to have significantly more white hair.

North Korean authorities are promoting this as the image of a "diligent leader working through the night," but some raise concerns about possible health issues.

In the photos released that day, Chairman Kim, wearing an overcoat, is seen waving his hand alongside rocket launch officials. The white hair on the front and sides of his head is clearly visible.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, waving his hand with officials, stands out with his white hair.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, North Korea announced the successful launch of its first military reconnaissance satellite, "Manlilyeong-1," which was launched the previous night.

Korean Central News Agency reported in detail, "The National Aerospace Development Administration successfully launched the reconnaissance satellite 'Manlilyeong-1' on November 21 at 22:42:28 from the West Sea Satellite Launch Station in Cholsan County, Pyonganbuk Province, using the new satellite carrier rocket 'Chollima-1'."

The noticeable increase in Chairman Kim's white hair has drawn attention several times in the past as well. In particular, North Korean propaganda authorities emphasize this as a sign of the "diligent leader" who stays awake working on people's livelihood issues.

In fact, on March 25, the Workers' Party of Korea's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, introduced Kim Jong-un's remarks about working hours in an article titled "A Day of the Great Parent."

Chairman Kim reportedly told an official, "Generally, people consider the end of their day's work to be the evening, 24:00, but I consider today to last until 5 a.m. the next day."

However, some speculate that Chairman Kim may be suffering from insomnia caused by stress or that there may be physical abnormalities, raising health concerns. In fact, hair can change color due to dysfunction in certain organs such as the kidneys.