Was Kim Jong-il killed? As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's death rumors surface yet again, here's taking a look at his father's death and the wild conspiracy theories around it

A regime that is shrouded in secrecy is bound to be subjected to some level of speculation. North Korea is no exception. Once again, rumors about its all-powerful leader Kim Jong Un's death have surfaced online, forcing the government to release "proof of life" pictures of the 42-year-old dictator to quell the speculation. This was far from the first time such a rumor about Jong Un had gained traction on social media. Years back, something similar had happened with his father and predecessor Kim Jong-il. While the North Korean regime said Jong-il died of a heart attack, intelligence officials abroad disagreed and several unfounded theories around his passing were also floated.

NK's account of Jong-il's death

Kim Jong-il had died in the morning of December 17, 2011, at the age of 69 years, according to the North Korean media. His death was announced only the next day at noon, allowing the regime sufficient time to think of its next step.


At the time, the North Korean media said Jong-il died of a heart attack triggered by "mental and physical overwork" during a train tour of various military and civilian sites across the country. Known to be a heavy drinker and smoker, Jong-il had also suffered a stroke three years before his death, in 2008.

Why were there doubts?

Intelligence experts in the neighboring South Korea raised doubts about the North's account. Won Sei-hoon, the then director of the South's National Intelligence Service, told lawmakers in Seoul at the time there was no sign that Jong-il's special train even left the Pyongyang station in the days leading up to his death.

Some South Korean intelligence officials said they believed Jong-il died in his bed at home.

Too cold, too early

Some officials questioned whether Jong-il would have stepped out on a morning when it was 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the capital Pyongyang. He was also unlikely to be up so early as the dictator was known to be a night owl.

It was suggested that North Korea might have altered the story of Jong-il's death to pump up his image as a hardworking leader who remained busy in public service until his last breath.

Was Kim Jong-il killed?

The peaceful death story wasn't all. Much wilder conspiracy theories surrounding Jong-il's death emerged on some South Korean websites as people questioned whether the death was natural at all. They argued that Jong-il's health had seemed better lately and suggested that someone in the government may have murdered him over resentment stemming from Kim Jong Un being named successor.