North Korean leader may have gained more than 40 kg: NIS

[Yonhap News Photo]

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has put on more than 40 kilograms (88 lbs) of weight since he took over in late 2011, putting out a danger signal to his health, Seoul's spy agency said Friday.

Kim's weight is believed to have increased from 90 kg in early 2012 shortly after his ascension to the throne, to 120 kg in 2014 and 130 kg now, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said in a report to the closed session of a parliamentary intelligence committee.

The spy agency said the 33-year-old is now suffering from insomnia caused by his ballooning weight, committee head Lee Chul-Woo said in a press briefing.

The NIS report is persuasive in view of pictures released by Pyongyang's state media which have shown his rotund belly and fuller face than earlier.

Kim, known as a heavy smoker, appears to be leading a stressful life being indulged in binge drinking and gluttony, probably due to constant worries about his personal security, the NIS said, adding he should worry about an adult disease.

South Korean President Park Geun-Hye has often accused the North Korean leader of resorting to the reign of terror to consolidate his power. Kim has purged many old guards since he took power following the sudden death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011.

There have been sporadic reports of purges and executions involving senior party, government and military officials in North Korea. The most notorious case was reported in December 2013, when Kim executed his influential uncle Jang Song-thaek on charges including treason and corruption.

The NIS said Friday that Jang's 74-year-old wife, Kim Kyong-hui, became an alcoholic after the death of her husband but she is now recuperating under special care near Pyongyang.

It's hard to verify information related to the leader of the world's most reclusive state, but there have been unconfirmed reports that Kim appeared to have inherited his father's health problems caused by his diet.

Defectors from North Korea claim Kim may have overindulged on steak, champagne and Swiss cheese like his father whose decadent lifestyle had been well known among citizens in Pyongyang. Kim Jong-il's sudden death was attributed to high blood pressure and diabetes stemming from his appreciation of expensive French brandy and fine cuisine.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

North Korean leader may have gained more than 40 kg: NIS

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