Kim Jong-un gains weight again, 'eating foreign snacks and alcohol'

Kim Jong-un showed signs of dramatic weight loss in June 2021 (left), but now he appears to have gained weight in May 2023 ( on right). Photo: COLIN Z WIRKO/GETTY IMAGES.

Kim Jong-un gained weight after overeating foreign snacks and drinking excessively, South Korean spies say.

The North Korean leader now weighs over 22 stone (300 pounds) and is likely suffering from insomnia, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has told South Korean politicians. bringing Kim's weight down to around 18 pounds (250 pounds).

North Korea recently imported large quantities of Marlboro and Dunhill cigarettes, as well as expensive snacks traditionally served with alcoholic beverages, which spies say , indicates that the leader of the country is increasingly struggling with alcohol and nicotine addiction.

North Koreans also «intensely» collect overseas medical information for high-ranking officials who suffer from insomnia, including information on how to treat it, such as the use of the sleeping pill zopiclone.

«Serious sleep disorders»

Yoo Sang-bum, Executive Secretary of the Parliamentary Intelligence Committee and an MP from South Korea's ruling People's Power Party, shared the details of the NIS briefing with the press.

“Based on the fact that the North Korean authorities actively collected the latest medical information, including drugs such as zolpidem, to treat insomnia of high-ranking officials abroad in April, NIS estimates that Chairman Kim is suffering from severe sleep disturbances. he said.

«Chairman Kim looked very tired, with noticeable dark circles under his eyes during his public appearance on May 16,» he added.

International observers have long been concerned about Kim's health. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS

Mr. Yu also talked about the deteriorating plight of North Koreans amid growing food shortages and soaring grain prices to the highest level seen since Kim took over.

He also said crime, suicide and starvation deaths increased under Kim.

Concerns about Kim's health, in particular his weight and smoking habit, have long been raised by international observers.

On rare trips abroad, Kim, reportedly travels with his own toilets to keep foreign intelligence agencies from analyzing his excrement for clues.

He is known to love whiskey. and cognac, reportedly spending more than £24m annually importing luxury liqueurs from overseas.

Kim is also known for his love of gourmet foods, especially caviar and cheese.

In 2014, it was reported that he ate so much Swiss emmental cheese that he had to hide from prying eyes to recover.