PYONGYANG (Bloomberg): North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held centre stage at a military parade, showing off to a national television audience a thinner frame, a trace of a tan and a haircut reminiscent of his grandfather -- state founder Kim Il-sung. The North Korean leader may have dropped at least 20 kilograms (44 pounds) over the past several months, according to a South Korean lawmaker briefed by a spy agency official in July. At the parade, Kim also appeared to paying homage to his grandfather with a haircut similar to one sported by Kim Il-sung about 70 years ago. In June, state media cited a citizen as saying North Koreans broke down in tears over seeing a dramatically thinner Kim Jong-un. Kim has been looking to rally support as North Korea is facing one of its worst food shortage in years.

Source: The Star September 10, 2021 03:11 UTC