'Intended to Sever North Korea's Connection'... 140kg Kim Jong-un Shows No Health Issues

[Anchor]

Regarding the statement by North Korea's Kim Yo-jong, who absurdly claimed that the landmine explosion incident was a "staged provocation" by our side, the National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly yesterday (September 30) that it appears intended to sever North Korea's connection to the incident. The NIS also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is estimated to weigh around 140 kilograms, but shows no signs of health problems.

Reporter Park Chan-beom reports.

[Reporter]

The National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee yesterday morning on its analysis of the statement issued by Kim Yo-jong, vice department director of North Korea's Workers' Party, regarding the landmine explosion.

[Rep. Yoon Kun-young / Democratic Party: "The NIS analyzes that North Korea intends to sever its connection to the incident by insisting it was a staged fabrication."]

The NIS assessed that North Korea's tone was "low-key," or restrained, and also noted that the statement was issued by Kim Yo-jong rather than the military.

[Rep. Yoo Young-ha / People Power Party: "When the NIS analyzed the statement, it assessed that it was a very 'low-key' statement."]

Regarding North Korea-U.S. dialogue, the NIS stated that North Korea's restraint from criticizing U.S. President Trump reflects an intention not to disrupt diplomacy, forecasting that talks between North Korea and the U.S. could take place on the occasion of the APEC summit to be held in China this coming November.

[Rep. Yoo Young-ha / People Power Party: "Intelligence authorities analyze that there is about a 50 percent chance of talks taking place around the APEC summit. North Korea also appears to show reactions aimed at not missing this opportunity."]

Regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the agency reported that although he is severely obese in the 140-kilogram range, there are no signs of health abnormalities,

[Rep. Yoon Kun-young / Democratic Party: "While he is in the high-risk group for cardiovascular disease due to severe obesity in the 140-kilogram range, he performs movements such as running up stairs without difficulty."]

Regarding Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, the NIS stated that her status as the designated successor is being solidified, and disclosed personal information for the first time, noting that she is "160 cm tall and weighs over 50 kg."

The NIS also analyzed that regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war, Ukraine initially requested confidentiality, but appears to have subsequently made it public in anticipation of shifting public opinion in South Korea regarding matters such as weapons support.

Video by Lee Seung-hwan and Shin Dong-hwan | Video Editing by Nam Il