An apparent loss of weight by Ri Sol-ju, the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, fueled speculation in Seoul Thursday that she may have given birth.

A government source, who declined to be identified, said images on the Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station showed a slimmer Ri watching a live New Year’s performance with her husband and other high-ranking dignitaries.

He claimed local experts who saw the footage of the first lady speculated that, judging by the weight loss, she may have given birth recently.

This claim was based on the contrast between the latest images taken on New Year’s Day and those released in mid December.

Pictures of Ri taken last month showed her face looking puffy and there was a noticeable swelling in her midsection.

Speculations have abounded about Ri’s condition since late October when photos showed signs she may be carrying a child.

Observers said Kim’s wife seemed to have gained weight compared to when images of her first started being released by the communist country’s media outlets in July. (Yonhap News)