Fact Check: Did Kim Jong Un demand a firing squad for Epstein's associates?
WASHINGTON, DC: As debates and controversies surrounding the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein continue, a rumor began circulating on social media claiming that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un demanded a firing squad for those associated with Epstein.
The claim has sparked widespread speculation, prompting a fact-check.
Claim: Kim Jong Un demanded firing squad for Epstein associates
According to a viral Facebook post, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un released a statement demanding that all associates of the convicted offender be handed over to North Korea so they could be executed by firing squad.
The post was accompanied by the caption, “Kim Jong-un just issued a terrifying global demand. He wants the entire Epstein network handed over to North Korea for immediate execution. The dictator declared his regime will deploy a FIRING SQUAD to eradicate those involved if Western courts refuse to act.”
The claim also spread across X, Instagram, and Threads, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
The viral claim drew mixed reactions online, with some users praising the dictator, while others remained skeptical and questioned its authenticity.
Fact Check: False, Kim Jong Un made no such remark
The claim is false, as there is no credible evidence to support it. A Google search found no reports from reputable news organizations, including North Korean state media, corroborating the claim.
Had Kim Jong Un actually made such a demand, it would almost certainly have received widespread media coverage.
North Korean state media would also likely have reported it, given the country's frequent criticism of the United States and President Donald Trump, despite its tightly controlled media environment.
Access to North Korean state media is limited because of the country's restricted internet access and frequent cyber-related issues.
Therefore, KCNAWatch, an open-source archive of North Korean media operated by South Korea-based NK News, was used instead of official North Korean government websites.
Searches for "Jeffrey Epstein" and "Epstein" on KCNAWatch returned no results. Articles published during the week leading up to July 27 were also reviewed, but no mention of the alleged statement was found.
July 27 is observed in North Korea as "V-Day," commemorating the Korean War armistice, making it a likely occasion for a public address by Kim. However, no evidence of the claimed remarks was found.
Resources from organizations such as the National Committee on North Korea were also examined for English-language reports or transcripts of the alleged statement, but no supporting information was found.
