North Korean state television said the country was “devastated” by the “emaciated” state of Kim Jong-un

North Korean state television broadcast citizen’s comment on Kim Jong-un’s ’emaciated’ state, something very unusual in a country where speaking in public about the health and personal life of the leader has always been prohibited.

Analysts say the comments show authorities want to use Kim’s weight shift to bolster loyalty to the regime.

Country more isolated than ever due to coronavirus measures and this month he admitted he was facing a food crisis.

Known to be a heavy smoker, Kim Jong-un suffered from obesity and his weight seemed to be increasing steadily in recent years.

However, in the latest images released by the official Pyongyang news agency, KCNA, and on state television he looks slimmer.

Kim’s personal life is taboo to North Korean state media, but KCTV last week released a clip of an unidentified resident of the capital who claimed everyone in the country was “devastated” by his “emaciated” condition.

“Seeing our respected Secretary General looking haggard is what breaks the hearts of our people the most.“, He said.

Analysts say Pyongyang is using Kim’s appearance as a way to glorify him, describing him as a “dedicated and hardworking” leader as the country struggles to cope with the food crisis.

North Korea closed its borders in January last year to protect itself from the pandemic And as a result, trade with Beijing, its main economic lifeline, has slowed, as international aid workers have left the country.

“The message Pyongyang sends is that Kim is a leader who works very hard for his people, to the point of skipping meals and losing weight.“He told the AFP Ahn Chan-il, a defector who is now a researcher.

Speculation about Kim’s health skyrocketed last year after he missed the commemoration of his late grandfather’s birthday and did not appear in public for about 20 days.

Kim’s father, Kim Jong-Il, and grandfather, Kim Il-Sung, were also obese and heavy smokers. They both died of a heart attack.

With information from AFP

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