In this June 15, 2021 file photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a Workers' Party meeting in Pyongyang, (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

       SEOUL (Kyodo) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lost 10-20 kilograms recently but is otherwise healthy with no apparent problems, South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers Thursday, according to one of them.

       Observers say Kim has recently appeared slimmer than before with one photo showing a watch on his wrist seeming to be more tightly fastened than before, sparking debate about the cause of his apparent weight loss.

       "After losing 10 to 20 kg, he's been normally engaged in his political activities," a member of the Intelligence Committee told reporters after a closed-door briefing session with the spy agency. "He has held meetings for hours, walking energetically, and is known to have had no problems in any of the activities."

       The agency had estimated back in November that the North Korean leader had gained about 50 kg since 2012 and was weighing between 140 kg and 150 kg.

       The member said Kim likely went on a diet.

       As North Korea continues to claim it has spotted no coronavirus infections at home, the member also said the agency has detected "no movements of Kim Jong Un receiving a vaccine either."

       The agency has also seen no sign of cluster infection cases occurring in the North, and that it seems to be putting utmost efforts into preventing such scenarios from happening, according to the member.

       The agency also told lawmakers that the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute was exposed to North Korean hacking for 12 days, with some information, but not the most important, being leaked.

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