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Kim Jong Un has appeared in public with a dark spot, at times covered by a small bandage, on the back of his head – stoking more speculation about the slimmed-down North Korean despot’s health.
The mystery spot was visible during a military event as well as in footage from a war veterans conference Kim attended late last month, according to NK News, which provides news and analysis about the rogue regime.
During his previous public appearances at a politburo meeting on June 29 and with musicians on July 11, the mysterious spot was not seen, according to the outlet.
In this June 29 photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a Politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP/Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service)
KIM JONG UN’S MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS REPORTEDLY NOT AFFECTING HIS RULE
Official footage seemed to avoid showing the mark on Kim’s head last month, though NK News reported that state media photos showed the bandage.
The head-scratcher is the latest physical episode that has focused attention on the secretive despot’s health after images appeared to show that the 37-year-old has lost a large chunk of weight.
A Pyongyang resident made headlines recently when he told state media that North Koreans were heartbroken by the "emaciated looks" of the formerly 308-pound leader.
The 38 North website, which analyzes the Hermit Kingdom, reported that Kim may have been taking weight loss medication or had a bariatric surgery procedure such as a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass, according to the report.
Others have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic might have prompted him to take drastic health action since his morbid obesity and likely cardiovascular disease are high-risk factors.
Kim also has exhibited weird marks on his body before.
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During an appearance in May 2020 after a long absence that sparked speculation that he had had a heart attack or died, a dark spot on his arm prompted medical experts to suggest it was related to cardiac issues, NK News reported. The mark is still visible but has faded.
Kim also had an apparently bruised finger during a politburo meeting in June 2021, a bandage on his finger in June 2019 and a bandage on his wrist in November 2015, according to the report.