In North Korean it is illegal to discuss Kim Jong Un’s weight loss

In North Korean it is illegal to discuss Kim Jong Un’s weight loss.

But efforts to stifle gossip about Kim's weight have failed, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA).  

Sources said neighbourhood watch units had made official statements warning people discussions about Kim's health were banned. 

'The neighbourhood watch unit also said the sudden weight loss is not due to a health problem, but rather that he is suffering in solitude for the sake of the country and people in crisis', the anonymous source said. 

It is reportedly the first time officials in North Korea have addressed speculation around Kim's weight loss or heath as it is usually considered a taboo topic.  But some residents told RFA they were pleased to see their leader slim down 'as the way he appeared before he lost weight seemed to be more dangerous to his health'.  

Another source said North Koreans were pleased at Kim's weight loss because he was so large 'it had become difficult for him to walk'. 

Some observers say Kim - who is about 5ft8in tall and has previously weighed 308 pounds may have lost between 22 and 44 pounds.   

The despot was last month shown waving to a crowd of enthusiastic military officers and seemed to have lost weight around his waist and face with his trademark Mao suit appearing slightly baggy. 

Images from the first workshop of the commanders and political officers of the Korean People's Army show held in July showed Kim with a noticeably slimmer face.  Kim was noticeably thinner when he appeared in state media in June following a prolonged absence, and speculation among the public began.

RFA reported that at the time that authorities considered the spreading of rumors about the Kim’s health to be treason and launched investigations to find out where such talk began.

Their attempts to stop people from discussing Kim’s health have seemingly failed, however, sources told RFA.

As stories of health problems related to the Highest Dignity’s weight loss spread among the residents, many of the neighborhood watch units here in Chongjin made official statements to the people at their weekly meeting, saying that it is a ‘reactionary act’ to talk about the leader’s health,” a resident of the northeastern port city said on Aug. 15.

“The neighborhood watch units also said the sudden weight loss is not due to a health problem, but rather that he is suffering in solitude for the sake of the country and people in crisis,” said the source, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

Some attendees at the meeting said they were heartbroken that their leader was suffering alone as the country faces its greatest crisis, but the attendees were only saying what the meeting leaders wanted to hear, the source said.

“This is the first time that authorities have felt the need to officially explain through neighborhood watch units in every region that the Highest Dignity has no health problems,” the source said.

“But on the other hand, some of the residents agreed, saying that Kim’s weight loss would not be a bad thing, as the way he appeared before he lost weight seemed to be more dangerous to his health,” said the source.