19.10.2026 13:53
Claims that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un suffered a brain hemorrhage, fell into a coma, and was taken to China for emergency treatment exploded onto the agenda like a bombshell. The yet-unverified rumors have inflamed debates over who will take over the country's leadership. Among the possible successors, Kim's sister Kim Yo-jong and his 13-year-old daughter Kim Ju-ae stand out.
New rumors have been put forward regarding the health condition of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. In claims spreading on the internet, it was alleged that Kim suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, fell into a coma, and was taken to Beijing, the capital of China, for treatment.
The claims, which also appeared in the British press, have not yet been verified by independent sources. No official statement has been made by North Korean or Chinese authorities regarding Kim's hospitalization.
IT WAS ALLEGED THAT HE SUFFERED A BRAIN HEMORRHAGE AND WAS TAKEN TO CHINA
According to the claims, Kim Jong-un was transferred to China after experiencing a serious health problem, on the consideration that North Korea's medical facilities would be insufficient.
It was alleged that the North Korean leader was placed under treatment at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing and was in a coma. However, no hospital record, official statement, or independent evidence confirming this information has been presented.
IT WAS STATED THAT HE WAS LAST SEEN ON OCTOBER 11
According to reports, Kim Jong-un was last seen visiting a defense museum said to be located in Pyongyang on October 11.
The limited nature of the North Korean leader's public activities has caused rumors about his health condition to spread this time as well, as in the past.
However, not appearing in public does not by itself mean that he is experiencing a serious health problem.
IT WAS ALSO CLAIMED IN 2020 THAT HE HAD DIED
Similar rumors about Kim Jong-un had been put forward before. In 2020, after he did not appear in public for a while, reports spread that he had died or fallen into a coma.
At that time, some former diplomatic officials also claimed that Kim's health condition was serious and that the leadership could be transferred to his sister, Kim Yo-jong.
However, Kim Jong-un later reappeared in public, and the death claims in question were not confirmed.
ATTENTION TURNED TO HIS SISTER KIM YO-JONG
Rumors regarding Kim Jong-un's health condition have brought a possible leadership change in North Korea back onto the agenda.
Kim's sister, Kim Yo-jong, holds an important position in the country's political structure. Kim Yo-jong, who serves in the leadership of the Workers' Party and is known especially for her harsh statements toward South Korea, is among the names mentioned in a possible power transition.
However, there is no official decision or statement that Kim Yo-jong will take over the leadership.
HIS 13-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IS ALSO AMONG POSSIBLE SUCCESSORS
Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, has also drawn attention in recent years with the military ceremonies and official events she has attended alongside her father.
Ju-ae, who was first introduced to the public during a missile test in November 2022, was later seen alongside her father at military parades and visits to weapons facilities.
The increasing prominence given to Kim's daughter has led to comments that she may be being prepared to lead the country in the future. However, no statement has been made that Ju-ae has been officially declared heir.
A STRIKING ASSESSMENT FROM SOUTH KOREAN INTELLIGENCE
Kim Jong-un's health condition had previously come onto the agenda of South Korean intelligence as well.
In an assessment submitted to parliament on September 30, 2026, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that Kim weighed approximately 140 kilograms but that no significant abnormality had been detected in his health condition.
This assessment also reveals that there is no official finding confirming the brain hemorrhage and coma claims put forward in recent days.
HIS LATEST IMAGES WERE RELEASED WITH HIS FAMILY
North Korean state media published on October 13 footage of Kim Jong-un visiting the National Defense Development Museum in Pyongyang together with his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Kim Ju-ae, on October 11.
At the visit, where Kim was seen with his family, intercontinental ballistic missiles and other military systems were displayed.