An audio forensic expert make the shock claim after analysing the dictator’s New Year speech.
Cho Dong-uk, a professor at Chungnam State University in South Korea, reviewed different phrases used in the speech, which he said could indicate problems with different organs.
These tests involved analysing voice “energy” and stammers during Kim Jong-un‘s yearly address.
North Korea dictator Kim displayed symptoms likely to be linked to organ failure, Cho said after analysing the speech.
Prof Cho said: “At least, the samples show that his kidneys are weaker than other organs.”
Kim, who binges on fine food, smokes and drinks, is frequently thought to suffer from ailments caused by his excessive lifestyle – despite millions of his citizens suffering in abject poverty.
In 2016 South Korean spies reported Kim Jong-un was suffering from paranoia and stress, twin issues which were causing him to pile on the pounds by binge eating and drinking.
They said he was also suffering from insomnia due to fears about his safety, with public opinion turning against him in the hermit state.
Lee Cheol-Woo of the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) said: “He keeps a close tab on any potential threats to his power, including the military, and he is obsessed with ensuring his personal safety.
Because of his habitual binge eating and drinking, he is likely to develop adult diseases.”
Kim’s weight, Mr Lee said, has ballooned from 198 to 286lbs since he became leader of the country in 2011.
The NIS keeps regular tab on Kim’s weight due to the impact his health has on the stability of the region, with several mysterious illnesses in recent years putting Western leaders on red alert.
READ MORE: Who is Kim Jong-un?
In 2014 Kim even vanished from public life for six weeks, sparking theories he had died or was on his death bed suffering from a fatal illness.
When he finally returned, Kim was using a walking stick and limping badly, prompting state media to release a tight-lipped statement simply saying he was suffering from an “uncomfortable physical condition.”
A source from within the state said the condition was actually due to his rapidly increasing weight.
The anonymous official said: “He injured his ankle and knee around late August or early September while drilling because he is overweight.
“He ordered all the generals to take part in drills and he took part, too. They were crawling and running and rolling around, and he pulled a tendon.
“He limped around in the beginning but the injury worsened.”