South Korean officials disclosed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is grappling with severe health issues, prompting his aides to search for foreign medicines to address his obesity-related problems. According to South Korean lawmakers Lee Seong-Kwuen and Park Sunwon, who briefed the media on Tuesday, the 40-year-old dictator now weighs approximately 308 pounds, his heaviest ever, placing him at a high risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS), South Korea's primary spy agency, shared that Kim's health issues likely stem from stress, heavy smoking, and drinking. "He could have been suffering from medical conditions that are difficult to deal with the currently available medicine," the lawmakers quoted the NIS as saying.

Kim's family history compounds the concern. Both his father and grandfather succumbed to heart conditions, raising the stakes for the current leader of the reclusive state. Observers have noted that Kim appeared noticeably leaner three years ago, likely due to a diet change. However, recent state media footage indicates he has regained the weight, leading to renewed concerns about his health.

Seoul's spy agency, using artificial intelligence and forensic video analysis, has closely monitored Kim's condition. Despite the secretive nature of North Korea, these insights suggest that Kim's health remains precarious. This concern is exacerbated by the fact that Kim has not formally designated a successor, leaving the stability of the nuclear-armed nation in question.

The NIS believes Kim's preteen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is being groomed as his heir apparent. She has made numerous public appearances alongside her father, particularly at military events, bolstering her status within the regime. However, the NIS does not rule out the possibility that she could be replaced by one of her siblings, as no official announcement has been made regarding her succession.

Kim Ju Ae, thought to be around 10 or 11 years old, first appeared in public in 2022 during an intercontinental ballistic missile test. Since then, state media has frequently highlighted her presence, referring to her as Kim Jong Un's "most beloved" or "respected" child. Despite this, her two siblings, at least one of whom is believed to be a boy, have not been publicly acknowledged by the regime.

North Korea's opaque nature means that outsiders can only speculate about Kim's exact health condition. The NIS has emphasized that despite its intelligence-gathering methods, confirming details from the secretive state remains challenging.

Kim's deteriorating health poses significant concerns internationally, given North Korea's advancing nuclear arsenal and escalating confrontations with the United States and South Korea. The lack of a clear successor adds to the uncertainty, with potential implications for regional stability and global security.

In addition to monitoring Kim's health, the NIS reported that North Korean officials have been actively seeking new medications abroad to manage Kim's high blood pressure and diabetes. This move suggests that the domestic medical infrastructure may be inadequate to address his health needs, prompting the regime to look for alternative treatments.

The South Korean lawmakers also noted that Kim's health issues have been evident since his early 30s. Despite occasional periods of weight loss, his health challenges have persisted, attributed largely to his lifestyle choices. The international community remains vigilant, understanding that the health of North Korea's leader has far-reaching implications beyond the nation's borders.