State media in North Korea reports that the country’s people have been traumatised by the appearance of the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un.
Video footage of Kim seems to indicate that he has lost a great deal of weight. Further video clips – whose authenticity is difficult to confirm – show residents of Pyongyang (apparently) weeping before a large screen television showing the less corpulent Kim.
‘Seeing respected general secretary (Kim Jong Un) looking emaciated breaks our people’s heart so much,’ a commentator said on state television.
No details were given as to the cause of this condition, but speculation about Kim’s health has been recurrent over the years. It is not apparent who might succeed him in the event of his death or incapacitation.