Why North Koreans are worried about Kim Jong Un’s weight loss



Why North Koreans are worried about Kim Jong Un’s weight loss The DPRK may be highlighting his physical sacrifices to motivate citizens to work harder during the COVID-19 pandemic Benjamin R. Young June 29, 2021 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON NK News (file photo) \| A painting of former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il According to North Korean media, the country’s citizens are reportedly concerned about Kim Jong Un’s recent weight loss. "Seeing respected general secretary (Kim) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much,” an unnamed man told the DPRK’s state-run TV broadcaster on June 25. While the country’s tightly controlled media landscape is not the best resource for analyzing sincere public opinion, cultural and historical dynamics suggest that North Koreans would genuinely be concerned about Kim’s health. According to North Korean media, the country’s citizens are reportedly concerned about Kim Jong Un’s recent weight loss. "Seeing respected general secretary (Kim) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much,” an unnamed man told the DPRK’s state-run TV broadcaster on June 25. While the country’s tightly controlled media landscape is not the best resource for analyzing sincere public opinion, cultural and historical dynamics suggest that North Koreans would genuinely be concerned about Kim’s health. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

The DPRK may be highlighting his physical sacrifices to motivate citizens to work harder during the COVID-19 pandemic

Benjamin R. Young June 29, 2021

Why North Koreans are worried about Kim Jong Un’s weight loss

NK News (file photo) | A painting of former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il

According to North Korean media, the country’s citizens are reportedly concerned about Kim Jong Un’s recent weight loss. "Seeing respected general secretary (Kim) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much,” an unnamed man told the DPRK’s state-run TV broadcaster on June 25.

While the country’s tightly controlled media landscape is not the best resource for analyzing sincere public opinion, cultural and historical dynamics suggest that North Koreans would genuinely be concerned about Kim’s health.

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Why North Koreans are worried about Kim Jong Un’s weight loss

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Benjamin R. Young

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