North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lost about 20 kilogrammes after weighing around 140 kilogrammes previously, but he appears to be in good health, according to South Korea‘s spy agency on Thursday.
The briefing was given by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) during a closed-door parliamentary session, denying rumours that the communist regime was using a stand-in for Kim during recent public appearances, according to Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the NIS made the assessment after conducting a detailed study of the North Korean leader’s health using artificial intelligence and other scientific methods.
Kim’s health has been a frequent source of speculation due to the political ramifications of his inability to perform his duties.
There has been no known appointment of a successor.
North Korea may have reprocessed spent nuclear fuel rods at its main nuclear complex in Yongbyon from February to July, according to the NIS.
The North can obtain weapons-grade plutonium by reprocessing spent fuel rods.
According to the agency, Kim has also removed portraits of his father and grandfather, former leaders Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung, from the backdrops of official meetings.
