North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is reported to be "extremely obese," according to an assessment by South Korea's intelligence agency. The agency’s evaluation, cited by South Korean lawmaker Youn Kun-young, states that Kim weighs over 140 kilograms (approximately 310 pounds) and is considered at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Despite these concerns, Youn noted that Kim has not exhibited any difficulties with physical activity, such as climbing stairs, and there are no current indications of serious health problems due to continuous medical monitoring.

Kim's health has been a subject of international scrutiny, especially given past episodes of concern. In 2020, Kim missed a significant public event honoring the birthday of his grandfather and North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung, sparking widespread speculation about his well-being following an extended absence from public view. The health of Kim's predecessors is also notable; both his father, Kim Jong-il, and grandfather were obese heavy smokers who died of heart attacks, underscoring long-standing health risks within the ruling family.

North Korea remains under extensive international sanctions related to its nuclear weapons programs, and the country faces persistent economic challenges, including food shortages. Elizabeth Salmon, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, highlighted earlier this year that food insecurity remains a critical humanitarian issue for the population.

Contrasting with these widespread shortages, sources familiar with Kim's personal lifestyle suggest that he maintains access to luxury food items. Paul Smart, executive chef at Hanoi’s Metropole hotel, who worked alongside Kim’s personal chefs during the 2019 North Korea-US summit, described Kim as having a preference for rare and expensive meats. According to these chefs, who share the surname Kim, the North Korean leader enjoys delicacies such as caviar, lobster, and foie gras.

This combination of reported extreme obesity and high-end dietary indulgence, set against the broader backdrop of humanitarian concerns in North Korea, highlights the complex realities surrounding the leader’s health and lifestyle. Observers note that any sudden changes in Kim’s health could prompt questions about political succession and the stability of the nuclear-armed state.