State TV: North Koreans concerned over Kim Jong Un's 'emaciated looks'
SEOUL, South Korea – Heartbroken North Koreans have been worrying tearfully about leader Kim Jong Un's "emaciated looks," state media quoted a local resident as saying in a rare acknowledgement of foreign speculation about his weight loss.
The comments were seen as an effort to boost domestic support for Kim's efforts as he grapples with deepening economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, mismanagement, U.N. economic sanctions and natural disasters, some experts said.
"Our people's hearts ached most when we saw (Kim's) emaciated looks," North Korean state TV cited an unidentified male resident wearing a straw hat as saying on Friday. "Everyone says their tears are welling up in their eyes naturally."
Related: Kim Jong Un warns of 'tense' food situation in North Korea, extended COVID-19 restrictions
In recent state media photos, Kim has appeared to have lost a considerable amount of weight. Some North Korea watchers said Kim, 37, who is about 5-foot-8 has weighed up to 308 pounds, may have lost 22 to 44 pounds.
Kim's health is the focus of keen outside attention because the leader hasn't publicly anointed a successor who would take charge of North Korea's advancing nuclear arsenal targeting the United States and its allies if he is incapacitated.
Some analysts in Seoul said Kim probably has gone on a diet to improve his health. Others have speculated that his weight loss might be related to health problems.
Kim, who is known for heavy drinking and smoking, comes from a family with a history of heart problems. His father and grandfather, who ruled North Korea before him, died because of heart problems.
In recent months, Kim has called for stronger unity to overcome what he calls "the worst-ever" crisis caused by pandemic-related border closings that have sharply reduced North Korea's international trade. The nation also has been hurt by persistent U.S.-led sanctions and crop-killing summer storms last year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kim Jong Un's 'emaciated looks' reported on North Korean state TV
