140 KG Kim Jong-un vs North Korea’s Food Shortages

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly weighs over 140 kg and faces a high risk of cardiovascular disease, according to South Korean intelligence.

Kim Jong-un’s Luxury Lifestyle vs North Korea’s Food Crisis

Kim Jong-un has led North Korea since 2011, after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. He is believed to be in his early 40s. He is married to Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter, Kim Ju-ae, has increasingly appeared alongside him at important military and political events.

What Do We Know About Kim’s Health?

According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kim weighs more than 140 kg and is severely obese, putting him at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, the agency reported no major signs of poor health. He has been seen climbing stairs without difficulty and is reportedly monitored by a dedicated medical team. He is also known to be a heavy smoker. Kim’s health has attracted attention before. In 2020, he disappeared from public view for around 20 days, leading to rumours that he was seriously ill. He later appeared in public again.

A Lifestyle of Luxury

Kim is known for his taste for expensive food. According to Australian chef Paul Smart, who worked with the leaders’ kitchen teams during the 2019 US-North Korea summit, Kim’s chefs described his preference for caviar, lobster and foie gras. This reported lifestyle contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by many ordinary North Koreans.

According to the United Nations, nearly 11 million people in North Korea are undernourished, representing more than 40% of the population. Food shortages and malnutrition remain serious concerns.

Why Is North Korea Building More Businesses?

For years, many North Koreans have relied on informal markets to buy and sell goods. These markets grew as people looked for ways to meet their daily needs.

The government has increasingly promoted official businesses, shopping centres, resorts and entertainment facilities. According to Reuters, this push could encourage people to spend their money through state-controlled businesses and give the government greater oversight of economic activity.

However, not everyone can afford these new facilities. Luxury shopping and entertainment exist alongside continued food insecurity and economic inequality.

Is Kim Ju-ae Being Prepared to Lead North Korea?

Another major question concerns who could lead North Korea if Kim Jong-un were unable to continue in power.

His daughter, Kim Ju-ae, has made around 30 public appearances in 2026, according to South Korea’s intelligence agency. Her appearances have expanded beyond military events into areas such as politics, diplomacy and public activities. The NIS believes her position as a potential successor is becoming stronger. However, North Korea has not officially announced that she will succeed her father.

Kim’s health, his family’s public role and North Korea’s changing economy continue to attract international attention. His daughter’s growing visibility has added another important question: what will happen to the country’s leadership in the future?