Breaking the Scale: South Korea's AI System Monitors North Korean Leader's Weight

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health has been the subject of much speculation in recent years due to his heavy smoking, weight gain, and family history of cardiovascular problems. Now, a South Korean lawmaker has revealed that according to an artificial intelligence (AI) estimate, Kim is believed to weigh over 140 kilograms (308 lbs).

The lawmaker, Yoo Sang-bum, who spoke at a National Intelligence Service briefing on Wednesday, said that Kim appeared tired with dark circles around his eyes during a public appearance on May 16th.

Sang-bum also mentioned that North Korea was intensively collecting medical information on insomnia treatment for its top official—a sign that Kim may be suffering from "severe" sleeping disorder.

Sang-bum noted that South Korea's spy agency was monitoring the possibility of Kim falling into a "vicious cycle" of increased dependence on alcohol and nicotine due to what appears to be large amounts of foreign cigarettes and snacks being shipped into North Korea.


Kim Jong Un is the third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father, Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack. The current leader is believed to be 39 years old and reports indicate he works until 5am—usually leading to further speculation concerning his wellbeing.

Unfortunately for North Koreans and those outside its borders seeking more information about the country's leader, media inside North Korea rarely mentions their leaders' health status—leaving many speculations unanswered as well as fueling conspiracy theories from time to time.

The latest news about North Korean leader's health comes hours after the country attempted its sixth satellite launch—which ended in failure when the booster and payload plunged into the sea.

Source: Swissinfo.ch