North Korea has published images of leader Kim Jong Un attending a clothing and footwear exhibition, after unverified social media reports claimed he had died after having a brain haemorrhage.
On Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a state media outlet, said that Kim was in attendance with his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae, at the 2026 National Garment and Footwear Exhibition on Monday.
The images depict Kim looking at children’s shoes and women’s clothing and speaking with officials at the exhibition. The images haven’t been independently authenticated, and the time at which they were taken couldn’t be independently verified, reports say.
The pictures surfaced after online reports said Kim suffered a serious brain haemorrhage, went into a coma, and died after being transported to Beijing for emergency treatment. The claim lacked substantiation from independent sources, NK News said.
State-run North Korean media did not directly touch on the death rumours.
On the tour of the light industry exhibition, Kim noted the progress made in the field, saying the products on display showed “fast and substantial growth” in the industry, KCNA reported.
The episode has also brought fresh focus on the mystery surrounding the health of the North Korean leader. Kim’s own return after a long absence was also surrounded by rumours in 2020.
