North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has appeared in state-media photographs after unverified social media claims alleged that he had died from a brain haemorrhage. On 20 October 2026, state media reported that Kim visited the 2026 National Garment and Footwear Exhibition in Pyongyang the previous day. Neither his alleged death nor any operation has been independently verified.
The photographs show Kim touring the exhibition with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and wife, Ri Sol Ju, according to state media. They were released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA); independent journalists were not present to verify the event. The appearance challenges the death rumours but cannot establish Kim's medical condition.
