A dramatic report published in the British tabloid Daily Star is fueling speculation tonight (Monday) about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to the report, Kim allegedly suffered a brain hemorrhage and fell into a coma, while China prepares for the possibility of a leadership crisis in the isolated nation. The same claims suggest Beijing has sent roughly 9,000 troops to help stabilize the regime and prevent a coup attempt.
2+According to the report, China’s preparations are aimed at ensuring an orderly transfer of power if Kim cannot return to his duties. In the scenario described, his potential successor would be his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, who has appeared alongside him in recent years at military and state events.
However, the source of these claims is not a government announcement or verified intelligence—but rather social media posts by Won Jon Shia, described as a Chinese opposition figure. At this stage, no independent evidence has been presented that Kim has actually fallen into a coma or that China has transferred thousands of troops to North Korea.
2+According to additional reports in The Sun and international media, the rumors also include claims that Kim was secretly transferred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing for emergency treatment. Some online posts even claim he has died, though these claims also lack verified evidence.
His last documented public appearance was on October 11, during a visit to a security museum in Pyongyang alongside his wife and daughter. Photos from the visit were published in state media on October 13. In late September, South Korean intelligence assessed that no unusual health problems were apparent in his condition.
2+This isn’t the first time rumors about Kim’s condition have sparked global speculation. In 2020, reports circulated claiming he had died or was in a coma after disappearing from public view—but he later reappeared. Once again, the absence of official information from North Korea is feeding a wave of speculation about his condition and the future of leadership in the country.