Viral photo shows Kim Jong-un's CORPSE in glass coffin, but looks like it's actually his father's
As rumors that North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un has died or is in a vegetative state continue to circulate, an unverified viral image appears to show the 36-year-old lying dead in a glass coffin.
In the image, which has already been shared thousands of times on social media, Kim can be seen lying on his back with his eyes closed and covered by a red blanket. His head is also resting on a pillow, as per tradition for North Korean leaders.
However, it is believed that the picture is manipulated, with the Sun reporting how it closely matched one that was taken during the funeral service for his father, Kim Jong-il, in 2011.
It has the same angle, same pillow, and identical flower arrangements behind his head, and seems to indicate that Kim's head and shoulder have been superimposed on his father's body.
Furthermore, while the image was taken from the Japanese News Network (JNN), many incorrectly credited it to Hong Kong Satellite Television (HKSTV) and claimed they had grabbed a screenshot when it was shown live on television.
"Proof" confirming the dictator's death has gathered steam online following numerous reports raising concerns over his health. However, these have always been refuted.
The Associated Press recently moved to debunk a video that was titled, "Live North Korea Dictator Kim Jong UN Funeral" and allegedly showed mourners gathering in North Korea at a funeral for Kim.
In reality, the video featured footage that was captured during Kim Jong-il's funeral in December 2011, while others like it used old footage from his father’s body lying in a memorial palace in the capital Pyongyang.
Kim's condition has been the source of constant speculation since he missed the April 15 commemoration of the 108th birthday of his grandfather, North Korea founder Kim Il-sung.
The 36-year-old, who is the third generation of his family to rule North Korea, had not missed the event, considered the biggest in the country, since assuming power after his father's death in 2011.
Since then, unsubstantiated reports have made various claims about his well-being, including claiming that he was in a "vegetative state" after undergoing heart surgery earlier this month.
Japanese media outlet Shukan Gendai said he had undergone a stent procedure after collapsing while talking a walk in the countryside but that a delay in carrying it out had left him severely ill.
TMZ then reported that Kim had died because of the same heart surgery and quoted a Hong Kong-backed news channel's vice director who is also the niece of a Chinese foreign minister.
The outlet said she had shared the news on her social media handle on Weibo to her 15 million followers and had gotten the news herself from a "very solid source."
North Korean state media addressed the rumors this past weekend and issued a statement they said was from their leader where he sent the thank you message to builders who are working in the seaside resort of Wonsan.
Neighbor South Korea has similarly insisted that he is not dead. "Our government position is firm," said Moon Chung-in, a special adviser on national security to the South Korean president, Moon Jae-in. "Kim Jong-un is alive and well."