KIM Jong-un has not been seen for more than a month amid fresh speculation about his health.
The North Korean despot has not been seen since a huge missile exhibition 30 days ago — his longest absence for seven years.
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Kim Jong-un's last public appearance at the Defence Development Exhibition, in Pyongyang Credit: Reuters
North Korean observers said his absence is the longest period of absence since 2011.
It follows reports about his health which were made earlier this year.
His last appearance on state media is believed to have taken place on October 12
This was during coverage of a huge missile exhibition in Pyongyang the day before.
But since then NK News reports he has not been seen on state channels — yet satellite imagery has shown increased activity at his east coast beach house and a lakeside mansion near the capital.
Observers claim this is his longest absence for seven years amid speculation in recent months.
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Kim has taken at least seven breaks lasting at least two weeks in 2021, according to NK News.
He vanished from public view for long stretches in 2020.
In June, Kim reappeared in public looking substantially thinner than before, following a nearly month-long absence.
The North Korean leader has sparked health fears in recent months after shedding more than 40 pounds as commentators questioned whether his weight loss is intentional or due to a grave illness.
images of a trimmer Kim sporting a beige suit with a serious look on his face have now led to conspiracy theorists claiming he has been replaced by a lookalike.
"Kim Jong-Un has been replaced by a lookalike," one online sleuth wrote on Reddit.
But many were quick to shoot down the whacky claim, saying Kim looks the same - just slimmer.
One replied: "He lost that baby fat and is showing his grown man face?"
Another added: "I was thinking the ears were identical.
"So identical, in fact, that I’m convinced this is just a slimmer, healthier Kim."
Last year, photos of Kim released 20 days after he mysteriously disappeared caused rumours the despot used a lookalike as some speculated the double could have been standing in due to the leader's poor health, or even death.
Sleuths pointed to slight differences in Kim's nose, wrinkles, teeth, cupid's bow, hairline and ears.
The latest body double claims come after it was reported North Korea is hunting for a Kim successor amid fears the tyrant's health is failing after his sudden weight loss.
Starving North Koreans are increasingly worried about the health of "emaciated" Kim in the wake of his dramatic weight loss after he used to top 22 stone, according to state media.
And a prominent member of Kim's entourage has now been tasked to find a successor for the dictator as rumours mount over his failing health.
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The previous month Kim appeared to be cutting a dash Credit: AP 3
Kim Jong Un speaks to officials next to military weapons and vehicles on display, including the country's intercontinental ballistic missiles Credit: Reuters
Kim Jong-un hugged by adoring kids as his troops step out in bizarre red hazmat suits for North Korea's midnight parade
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