SEOUL, South Korea (AP)

— North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly regained weight and is facing obesity-related health issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). During a closed-door briefing with lawmakers, the NIS revealed that Kim, who is approximately 170 centimeters tall and previously weighed 140 kilograms, has returned to his earlier weight after a noticeable loss in 2021. The agency noted that Kim's lifestyle choices, including heavy drinking and smoking, along with a family history of heart disease, contribute to his health risks. The NIS indicated that Kim has been experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s. Lawmakers reported that North Korean officials are actively seeking new medications abroad to address these health concerns. The intelligence agency's assessment highlights the potential implications of Kim's health on North Korea's political landscape, particularly given the absence of a formally designated successor to lead the country’s nuclear ambitions. Speculation surrounding Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has intensified as she has been seen accompanying her father at significant public events since late 2022. The NIS maintains that she is being positioned as a potential heir, although it cannot dismiss the possibility of her siblings being considered for the role. The state media has referred to her as Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” child, further fueling discussions about her future political significance.