Kim Jong-un's dead rumours erupt again

Kim Jong-un addressed a party summit last week, according to state media. Photo: Via Reuters.

Speculation that Kim Jong-un could be dead has erupted again after a South Korean diplomat sensationally claimed the North Korean leader is in a coma. Chang Song-min, a former aide to South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung, didn't provide any evidence to back up his claim - the same one he made months ago only for Kim to be pictured in public. A South Korean news website hit out at Chang's coma claim as "absurd", and former BBC journalist Roy Calley has now said the dictator could already be dead.

State media has given no indication there is anything wrong with the leader, reporting on Sunday that North Korea had launched a new anti-smoking website, even though Kim, said to be a heavy smoker, hasn't kicked the habit. State media said he addressed a ruling party summit last week as he admitted his plans to boost the country's economy were failing. The latest speculation about Kim's health comes after he delegated more responsibilities to his aides, including his sister Kim Yo-jong.