Kim Jong-un, Are the 'Abnormal Signs' Growing... Health Concerns Persist

Since Early in His Regime, Kim Jong-un Has Been Plagued by 'Health Rumors'
Growing Skin Troubles... Can't They Be Removed?
National Intelligence Service: "Suffering from Dermatitis Due to Allergies and Stress"

There is a noticeable feature on the face of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un as he welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'Pyongyang visit.' It is a skin trouble about 1 cm in size on his left cheek. This 'abnormal sign,' first detected four years ago, has not disappeared and appears to be gradually increasing in size.

Looking at the photos of President Putin and Chairman Kim released by the Russian Kremlin on the 19th, the skin trouble about 1 cm in size on Kim's left cheek is visible. Analyzing photos released by North Korean media so far, this 'pimple' was barely noticeable and very small until the end of 2020, but its size has significantly increased since last year.

The skin trouble of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, which was briefly observed during the June 2021 plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee, appears to have worsened. [Image source=Chosun Central News Agency·Russian Kremlin]

Skin troubles can be evaluated as indicators of overall health. After its size began to increase since June last year, some have interpreted it as stress caused by the failure of the 'military reconnaissance satellite' launch.

Intelligence authorities have identified that Chairman Kim is suffering from dermatitis. The National Intelligence Service stated in a report to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee in May last year, "Since the end of 2022, scratches and secondary wounds on Kim Jong-un's hands and forearms have been continuously confirmed," adding, "It is presumed to be dermatitis caused by a combination of allergies and stress." They also noted, "(North Korea) is importing large quantities of foreign cigarettes such as Marlboro and Dunhill, as well as high-end side dishes," and assessed, "There is also close monitoring of the possibility that Kim Jong-un's dependence on alcohol and nicotine is increasing, leading to a vicious cycle of worsening insomnia."

On the early morning of the 19th, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un are seen conversing upon arrival in Pyongyang. The two are scheduled to sign a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' agreement that afternoon. [Image source=Russian Kremlin]

Chairman Kim has been plagued by health rumors since he came to power in 2012. In his youth, he was slim, weighing about 70 kg, but from his time as a successor, he rapidly gained weight to 'cosplay Kim Il-sung.' Since then, abnormal health signs have often been detected, such as limping or wearing medical bands on the back of his head and wrists. These have been the reasons for various speculations whenever he tried to conceal his appearance.

A government official evaluated, "It is unknown why (the skin trouble) is not being treated. However, as far as we know, there are no signs that would indicate a fatal abnormality in Chairman Kim's health yet."