Pyongyang:Seoul Unverified rumors regarding the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have surfaced on overseas social media platforms. These rumors allege that Kim died after suffering a brain hemorrhage, despite North Korean state media reporting his recent public appearance.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the rumors were initially reported by The Sun, the New York Post, and India's Economic Times, which referenced social media posts claiming that Kim fell into a coma and was taken to a hospital in Beijing. The claims are said to have originated from a post on X by Wanjun Xie, a Chinese dissident based in the United States.

Xie alleged that Kim had experienced a severe brain hemorrhage, lost consciousness, and was transferred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to inadequate medical facilities in North Korea, but ultimately died. He further claimed that Kim's body was secretly returned to North Korea and that his death was being concealed. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.

Xie identifies himself as the chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party, a group banned by Chinese authorities, and has previously circulated other unverified claims on social media. These include speculations about Chinese President Xi Jinping's death and the alleged use of a body double.

North Korean state media did not directly respond to the rumors but reported that Kim Jong-un visited a garment and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang the day before the speculation began. Photos released by state media showed Kim touring the exhibition with his daughter, Ju-ae. Meanwhile, South Korean diplomatic and security officials stated they had no information to support the claims of Kim's death.