North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has appeared in newly released s from a public event in Pyongyang, following online claims that he had died or was seriously ill. graphs show him visiting the National Clothing and Footwear Exhibition-2026 alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
The visit was reported by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA. According to the report, Kim attended the exhibition on Monday, while details and graphs of the visit were released by state media on Tuesday.
s indicate that Kim made a public appearance at the exhibition. They do not independently establish details about his health beyond showing him at the event.
What the online claims alleged
Reports circulating on social media had claimed that Kim had died from a brain haemorrhage. Other s alleged that he was in a coma, receiving hospital treatment in serious condition or had been taken to Beijing for medical care.
The claims were first reported as spreading on X before being shared across other platforms. Some tabloid media outlets also repeated the allegations. The supplied reporting says no firm evidence supporting those claims had emerged.
North Korea's tightly controlled state media has now used the exhibition visit to show Kim taking part in a public engagement. The release addresses the timing of the rumours, but it does not provide a medical assessment or further explanation of them.
Kim's comments at the exhibition
KCNA reported that Kim reviewed the national clothing and footwear exhibition and praised the development of North Korea's light industry. He said progress in that sector was helping improve people's living standards.
The report also linked his remarks to factories built under the “20×10” regional development programme. That initiative focuses on improving living conditions for people in rural areas and promoting development across different regions.
The exhibition therefore served as both a public appearance and an event connected with domestic industrial policy. Kim was shown surveying activities at the venue while state media highlighted clothing, footwear and regional development.
What graphs establish
The released material supports the fact that Kim was reported attending the exhibition in Pyongyang with his wife and daughter. It also shows that North Korean authorities presented him publicly after speculation about his whereabouts and health.
However, the available information does not verify the medical claims made online, nor does it provide independent confirmation of the allegations about a brain haemorrhage, coma, hospitalisation or travel to Beijing.
Conclusion
North Korea's state media has shown Kim Jong Un attending a Pyongyang exhibition with members of his family after unverified death and illness rumours spread online. The report confirms a public appearance but gives no independent medical details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was Kim Jong Un seen?
Kim was reported visiting the National Clothing and Footwear Exhibition-2026 in Pyongyang.
Q. Who accompanied Kim?
His wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae, were shown with him.
Q. What had social-media s claimed?
s alleged that Kim had died from a brain haemorrhage, entered a coma, been hospitalised or travelled to Beijing for treatment.
Q. Which organisation reported the visit?
North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, known as KCNA, reported the visit.
Q. What did Kim discuss at the exhibition?
He praised the development of light industry and referred to factories connected with the “20×10” regional development programme.
