---
title: "Kim Jong Un appears in photos amid death rumours"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/kim-jong-un-appears-in-photos-amid-death-rumours"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/kim-jong-un-appears-in-photos-amid-death-rumours"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/kim-jong-un-appears-in-photos-amid-death-rumours.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/kim-jong-un-appears-in-photos-amid-death-rumours"
category: "Politics"
area: "Latin America"
published: "2026-10-20T06:25:13.762Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-20T06:09:50.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-20T06:25:13.762Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 68
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-20T07:30:17.679745+00:00"
---

# Kim Jong Un appears in photos amid death rumours

*North Korean state media released images of the leader inspecting shoes and clothing after unverified claims circulated online.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to KCNA and NK News; two independent outlets cited; no anonymous sourcing.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reports clearly separate fact from comment; specific details provided; some mention of what happens next.
- Hype 68 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise more than the body delivers, with 'proof of life' and 'dead' claims.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- North Korean state media released undated photographs of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting shoes and women's clothing.
- The images were published after unverified claims circulated online that Kim had suffered a brain haemorrhage and died.
- KCNA reported that Kim toured a 2026 exhibition on Monday, but the photographs have not been independently authenticated.
- South Korea’s National Intelligence Service stated Kim weighed approximately 140 kilograms.

North Korean state media released undated images of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting shoes and women's clothing. KCNA reported that Kim toured a 2026 exhibition on Monday. The photographs have not been independently authenticated and it remains unclear exactly when they were taken.

The images emerged after unverified claims circulated online that Kim had suffered a brain haemorrhage, fallen into a coma and died. Wanjun Xie, a US-based Chinese dissident, alleged that Kim had died and that China had dispatched 9,000 troops to Pyongyang amid fears of a succession crisis. These allegations were not substantiated by verifiable evidence.

## Disagreement on Kim Jong Un's weight

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Kim weighed roughly 140 kilograms, according to Live Mint. None of the other reports mention Kim Jong Un's weight.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated or centre-rated reports mention the claim by Wanjun Xie that China had dispatched 9,000 troops to Pyongyang. None of the right-rated reports mention the claim by Wanjun Xie that China had dispatched 9,000 troops to Pyongyang.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 23 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 17% (4)
- Centre: 18% (4)
- Right: 65% (15)

29 of 52 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-20T07:30:17.679745+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-20T07:45:14.851Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports led on the release of photographs of Kim Jong Un after rumours of his ill health. The Korea Times reported that Kim toured a garment and footwear exhibition, highlighting achievements in light industry production. It stated Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju. IBTimes UK and IBTimes Singapore also reported on the photos emerging after rumours of Kim's death or brain haemorrhage. One India reported Kim appearing in public after rumours of his coma or death.

### Centre

- The centre-rated reports focused on the release of photographs of Kim Jong Un as a response to rumours of his death or brain haemorrhage. Live Mint reported that the images were shared by KCNA and NK News, showing Kim inspecting shoes and women's clothing. It noted that KCNA reported Kim toured a 2026 exhibition on Monday, but that the photographs were not independently authenticated. Hindustan Times and UNILAD also reported on the photos appearing amid rumours of Kim's health. NK News reported Kim attended a clothing and shoe expo with his daughter on Monday, amid rumours of his death.

### Right

- The right-rated reports focused on the release of photographs of Kim Jong Un as a dismissal of rumours about his death or coma. Latestly reported that North Korean state media published photographs of Kim inspecting local exhibitions, countering speculation of a fatal medical emergency. Times of India reported Kim resurfaced in photographs released by state media, inspecting children's footwear and women's clothing, after rumours of coma and takeover by his sister. Washington Examiner reported state media published photos of Kim at a clothing and shoe expo with his daughter, appearing well. Protothema reported that KCNA reported Kim visited the exhibition on Monday, though the photos were not independently verified. El Universo reported state media aired images of the leader during a visit to an exhibition. ABP News reported claims about Kim's sister and Chinese troops fuelled succession rumours. New York Post reported North Korea released apparent 'proof of life' photos showing Kim inspecting shoes and women's clothing.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 2
- mixed: 11
- high: 7
- unknown: 30
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Within Nigeria](https://withinnigeria.com/2026/10/20/kim-jong-un-death-rumours-north-korea-releases-new-photos-after-brain-haemorrhage-claims-what-we-know) — Kim Jong Un Death Rumours: North Korea Releases New Photos After Brain Haemorrhage Claims — What We Know
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/kim-giongk-oyn-zei-fimes-pethane-egkefaliki-aimorragia) — North Korea Provides 'Proof of Life' of Kim Jong UN, After the Orgy of Rumors that He Died of a Brain Hemorrhage - iefimerida.gr
- [parapolitika.gr](https://parapolitika.gr/diethni/article/1808792/voreia-korea-o-kim-giong-oun-einai-zodanos-ton-fotografisan-se-ekthesi-me-rouha-kai-papoutsia) — North Korea: Kim Jong UN is... Alive - He Was Photographed at an Exhibition Wearing Clothes and Shoes
- [snn.ir](https://snn.ir/fa/news/1473749/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B9%D9%87-%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B1%DA%AF-%DA%A9%DB%8C%D9%85-%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%86%DA%AF-%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%B1-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%87-%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C-%DA%86%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA) — What's the Story Behind the Rumored Death of North Korean Leader Kim Jong-UN?
- [Karar Gazetesi](https://karar.com/dunya-haberleri/kim-jong-unun-oldugu-iddialari-dunyayi-karistirdi-kuzey-koreden-yeni-2079500) — Claims that Kim Jong-UN Is Dead Have Thrown the World Into Turmoil: New Photos From North Korea.
- [Free Press Kashmir](https://freepresskashmir.news/2026/10/20/north-korea-releases-photos-of-kim-jong-un-after-viral-death-rumours) — North Korea releases photos of Kim Jong Un after viral death rumours
- [NEWS9 LIVE](https://news9live.com/world/north-korea-releases-kim-jong-un-photos-after-rumours-of-death-due-to-brain-haemorrhage-3017540) — North Korea releases Kim Jong Un photos after rumours of ‘death due to brain haemorrhage’
- [asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/visual-news/article/2026102015010534661) — "Rumors of Kim Jong-UN's Death" Turns Out
- [India TV Hindi Hindi](https://indiatv.in/world/around-the-world/kim-jong-un-death-rumors-north-korean-dictator-appeared-in-style-with-daughter-2026-10-20-1249868) — Kim Jong UN Is Alive, Not in a Coma; Dictator Spotted with Daughter Amid Speculation - India TV Hindi
- [Rzeczpospolita](https://rp.pl/polityka/art45362661-korea-polnocna-publikuje-zdjecia-kim-dzong-una-po-pogloskach-o-jego-smierci) — North Korea Releases Photos of Kim Jong UN After Rumors of His Death
- [Latestly](https://latestly.com/world/kim-jong-un-is-dead-north-korea-dismisses-death-rumours-with-proof-of-life-photos-7650673.html) — Kim Jong Un Is Dead? North Korea Dismisses Death Rumours With 'Proof of Life' Photos | 🌎 LatestLY
- [One India](https://oneindia.com/international/kim-jong-un-appears-in-public-after-brain-haemorrhage-coma-and-death-rumours-spread-online-8240393.html) — Kim Jong Un Appears In Public After Brain Haemorrhage, Coma And Death Rumours Spread Online
- [Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/kim-jong-un-dead-north-korea-releases-photos-dismissing-rumours-of-coma-takeover-by-sister/articleshow/135061870.cms) — Kim Jong Un dead? North Korea releases photos dismissing rumours of coma, takeover by sister
- [BT](https://bt.dk/udland/efter-vilde-rygter-om-kim-jong-un-nu-frigiver-nordkorea-nye-billeder) — After Wild Rumors About Kim Jong-UN: North Korea Releases New Photos
- [1news.com.ua](https://1news.com.ua/svit/kim-chen-yn-zyavyvsya-na-publitsi-pislya-chutok-pro-svoyu-hvorobu-phenyan-opublikuvav-novi-foto-nachalnyka-derzhavy.html) — Kim Jong-UN Appeared in Public After Rumors About His Illness: Pyongyang Published New Photos of the Head of State
- [IBTimes UK](https://ibtimes.co.uk/unverified-claims-china-troops-north-korea-kim-jong-un-rumours-1826599) — China Accused of Secretly Sending 9,000 Troops to North Korea as Kim Jong Un Death Rumours Spark Civil War Fears
- [Interfax.ru](https://interfax.ru/world/1123613) — North Korean Media Published Recent Photos of Kim Jong Eun in the Midst of Rumors of His Illness.
- [Social News XYZ](https://socialnews.xyz/?p=7792671) — Pyongyang: Leader Inspects Garment and Footwear Exhibition #Gallery
- [Newsit.gr](https://newsit.gr/kosmos/o-kim-giongk-oun-zei-fotografies-ton-deixnoun-se-ekthesi-me-rouxa-kai-papoutsia/4802636) — Kim Jong-UN Is Alive: Photos Show Him at an Exhibition of Clothes and Shoes
- [Potosinoticias.com](https://potosinoticias.com/2026/10/19/kim-jong-un-lider-de-corea-del-norte-reaparece-en-publico-tras-rumores-sobre-su-estado-de-salud) — North Korean Leader Kim Jong-UN Reappears in Public After Rumors About Her State of Health
- [website](https://extra.ec/noticia/mundo/rumores-sobre-kim-jong-paradero-lider-norcoreano-165117.html) — Rumors About Kim Jong-UN: What Is Known About the Whereabouts of the North Korean Leader?
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/north-korean-state-media-releases-photos-of-kim-jong-un-at-clothing-and-shoe-expo-amid-brain-haemorrhage-death-rumors-101792470549762.html) — North Korean state media releases photos of Kim Jong Un at clothing and shoe expo amid brain haemorrhage, death rumors
- [www.prensa-latina.cu](https://prensa-latina.cu/2026/10/20/kim-jong-un-resalta-avances-de-la-industria-ligera-de-la-rpdc) — Kim Jong One Highlights Developments of the DPRK Light Industry - News Press in Latin America
- [NewsBomb](https://newsbomb.gr/kosmos/story/1771034/voreia-korea-o-kim-giongk-oun-einai-kala-kai-epitheorei-papoytsia) — North Korea: Kim Jong UN Is Well and inspecting... Shoes
- [News Nation](https://newsnationtv.com/world/kim-jong-un-live-north-korea-releases-evidence-amid-death-rumors-12691164) — Kim Jong UN Is Still Alive! North Korea Releases Evidence Amid Rumors of His Death
- [daryo.uz](https://daryo.uz/2026/10/20/kim-chen-in-komaga-tushgani-ortidan-ommaga-korinish-berdi-foto) — Kim Jong-UN Appears in Public After 'Falling Into Coma'
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/haberler/dunya-oldugunu-konusuyordu-kim-jong-un-ortaya-20346851-haberi) — The World Was Talking About His Death! Kim Jong-UN Has Reappeared.
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1897485/me-episkepsi-tou-kim-giong-oun-se-ekthesi-me-rouha-kai-papoutsia-i-apadise-i-voreia-korea-stis-fimes-oti-einai-se-koma) — North Korea Responds to Rumors that Kim Jong UN Is in a Coma with Photos of Him Visiting a Clothing and Shoe Exhibition
- [IBTimes Singapore](https://ibtimes.sg/kim-jong-un-appears-public-after-brain-hemorrhage-death-rumors-95323) — Kim Jong Un Appears in Public After Brain Hemorrhage, Death Rumors
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/kim-chen-yn-osmotrel-vystavku-odezhdy-na-fone-sluhov-o-kome) — Kim Jong Eun Looked at the Clothing Show in the Face of Rumours About a Coma.
- [The Sunday Guardian Live](https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/kim-jong-un-death-rumours-dead-or-alive-north-korea-releases-fresh-photos-after-brain-haemorrhage-claims-and-alleged-beijing-transfer-see-photos-308820) — Kim Jong Un Death Rumours: Dead or Alive? North Korea Releases Fresh Photos After Brain Haemorrhage Claims and Alleged Beijing Transfer – See Photos
- [FNN.jpプライムオンライン](https://fnn.jp/articles/-/1136071) — Kim Jong-UN, General Secretary, Inspects Apparel Exhibition with His Daughters; Also Seen Picking up Shoes; Instructs to Improve Design
- [Gelora News](https://gelora.co/2026/10/sempat-dirumorkan-meninggal-kim-jong-un.html) — After Rumors of His Death, Kim Jong-UN Appears at a North Korean Fashion Exhibition
- [Washington Examiner](https://washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4771816/north-korea-photos-kim-jong-un-dead-rumors) — North Korea releases photos of Kim Jong Un at clothing expo after death rumors
- [Live Mint](https://livemint.com/news/world/kim-jong-un-dead-north-korea-media-releases-proof-of-life-photos-after-brain-hemorrhage-rumors-says-report-11792465294807.html) — Kim Jong Un dead? North Korea releases ‘proof of life’ photos of Supreme Leader after 'brain hemorrhage' rumors
- [La Tercera](https://latercera.com/mundo/noticia/corea-del-norte-difunde-imagenes-como-prueba-de-vida-de-kim-jong-un-tras-rumores-sobre-su-muerte) — North Korea Spreads Images as Kim Jong-UN’s “Life Test” After Rumors About His Death
- [RPP](https://rpp.pe/mundo/actualidad/corea-del-norte-difunde-fotos-de-kim-jong-un-en-un-acto-publico-en-medio-de-rumores-sobre-su-salud-noticia-1713447) — North Korea Spreads Photos of Kim Jong UN in a Public Act Amid Rumors About Her Health
- [El Universo](https://eluniverso.com/internacional/asia/kim-jong-un-reaparece-en-fotos-tras-rumores-sobre-su-salud-nota) — Kim Jong-UN Reappears in Photos After Rumors About Her Health
- [Unknown](https://aajtak.in/world/story/kim-jong-un-death-rumours-north-korea-photos-exhibition-ntc-aktw-rptc-2675172-2026-10-20) — Kim Is Still Alive! North Korea Releases Evidence Amid Rumors He Died of a Brain Hemorrhage.
- [wartaekonomi.co.id](https://wartaekonomi.co.id/read642076/dirumorkan-meninggal-dunia-kim-jong-un-muncul-di-pameran-fashion-korut) — Rumored to Be Dead, Kim Jong-UN Appears at North Korean Fashion Exhibition
- [reform.news](https://reform.news/ctak-soobshhilo-o-pojavlenii-kim-chen-yna-na-publike-posle-sluhov-o-ego-smerti) — KCNA Reported Kim Jong-UN's Public Appearance After Rumors of His Death
- [chosunonline.com](https://chosunonline.com/site/data/html_dir/2026/10/20/2026102080043.html) — General Secretary Kim Jong-UN Visits Clothing and Shoe Exhibition Hall to "Bridge the Gap Between Urban and Rural Areas"
- [ABP News](https://news.abplive.com/news/world/kim-jong-un-death-news-claims-about-kim-yo-jong-chinese-troops-in-pyongyang-fuel-north-korea-succession-1872257) — Kim Jong-un Dead? Claims About Sister, Chinese Troops Fuel North Korean Succession Rumours
- [Unknown](https://chosun.com/economy/economy_general/2026/10/20/ME2TQN3EMEZTEYJUG5SWMYJUHA) — North Korea's Kim Jong-UN Inspects Clothing and Footwear Exhibition... "Provincial Factories Proud of Quality"
- [NK News](https://nknews.org/?p=980990) — Kim Jong Un appears at clothing expo after latest internet rumors on death
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/world-news/north-korea-releases-proof-of-life-photos-of-kim-jong-un-after-wild-rumors-dictator-died-from-brain-hemorrhage) — Kim Jong Un ‘proof of life’ photos released by North Korea after wild rumors dictator died from brain hemorrhage
- [The Korea Times](https://koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/northkorea/20261020/n-koreas-kim-tours-light-industry-expo-touts-regional-policy-achievements) — N. Korea's Kim tours light industry expo, touts regional policy achievements
- [SINDOnews.com](https://international.sindonews.com/read/1762469/40/rumor-yang-membuncah-kim-jong-un-meninggal-adiknya-ambil-alih-kekuasaan-china-kirim-9000-tentara-ke-korut-1792455025) — Rumors Are Running: Kim Jong-UN Is Dead, His Brother Takes Over, China Sends 9,000 Troops to North Korea
- [UNILAD](https://unilad.com/news/world-news/kim-jong-un-dead-rumour-online-after-claim-exiled-chinese-dissident-407995-20261020) — Kim Jong-un ‘dead’ rumour spreads online after claim from exiled Chinese dissident
- [Sinar Daily](https://sinardaily.my/article/742345/focus/world/is-kim-jong-un-dead-unverified-claims-of-coma) — Is Kim Jong-un dead? Unverified claims of coma, Chinese troops fuel North Korea succession rumours
- [Conservative Daily News](https://conservativedailynews.com/2026/10/north-korean-media-showed-kim-at-pyongyang-exhibition-after-unverified-death-rumors) — North Korean Media Showed Kim at Pyongyang Exhibition After Unverified Death Rumors
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261020009700504) — Kim Jong UN Visits Light Industry Exhibition… "Eliminating the Urban-Rural Difference"

## Questions

**What did North Korean state media release?**

North Korean state media released undated images of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting shoes and women's clothing. KCNA reported that Kim toured a 2026 exhibition on Monday. However, the photographs have not been independently authenticated and it remains unclear exactly when they were taken.

**Why were the photos released?**

The photographs were released after unverified claims circulated online that Kim Jong Un had suffered a brain haemorrhage, fallen into a coma, and died. These claims were not substantiated by verifiable evidence.

**What did South Korea's intelligence service say about Kim Jong Un?**

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Kim Jong Un weighed roughly 140 kilograms. The agency also stated it had detected no significant signs of ill health, citing his ability to run up stairs.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/kim-jong-un-appears-in-photos-amid-death-rumours. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Kim Jong Un appears in photos amid death rumours", https://mediabias.news/politics/kim-jong-un-appears-in-photos-amid-death-rumours