North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared thinner when he was spotted at a parade celebrating the communist nation’s 73rd anniversary.
The North Korean head of state looked to have lost a significant amount of weight as he kissed children who gave him flowers and greeted the people gathered in Kim Il Sung Square.
NORTH KOREANS RAISE ALARM ABOUT KIM JONG UN’S WEIGHT LOSS
Kim arrived at the celebration in a cream-colored suit to the cheers of the crowd at midnight, and he appeared leaner.
Experts suggested the weight loss is not an indication of illness but an effort to improve his health, according to the Associated Press.
Although he reportedly did not speak at the event, Kim’s appearance is another example of his continued attendance at public events.
The celebration itself reportedly focused more on paramilitary organizations and public security forces than the military units that maintain the country’s nuclear and missile arsenal.
No ballistic weapons were presented for Wednesday’s celebration, differing from similar events in 2020 and earlier in 2021.
Hong Min, an analyst at South Korea’s Institute for National Unification, said the display is representative of the nation’s domestic problems.
“The parade shows that the government felt a need to build unity domestically. The population is clearly suffering amid the pandemic, and social complaints are likely building up,” Hong said.
Showcasing civil defense units is against the norm for North Korea, he added.
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“North Korea needs to enforce military-like discipline while mobilizing its civilians in campaigns to rebuild the economy and areas damaged by floods,” he said. “There aren’t many ways for the leadership to encourage and motivate them other than showcasing them on televised parades.”
The nation did not brandish its most impressive weapons because it does not want to foster diplomatic tensions with nations providing COVID-19 vaccines, Hong said.
