North Korea’s Secret Longevity Lab: The Strange Health Rituals of Kim Il-sung(kim jong un’s grandfather)💥
When it comes to longevity, most of us think of balanced diets, exercise, and modern medicine. But in North Korea, the elite had access to an entirely different approach—one that combined ancient Eastern medicine with bizarre and secretive practices. At the heart of it all was the “Longevity Research Institute,” a facility dedicated to extending the life of North Korea’s supreme leaders.
Kim Il-sung’s Unusual Health Rituals
Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, had a deep fascination with traditional medicine and longevity practices. His personal health regimen included music meditation, in which he would listen to recordings of natural sounds like ocean waves and forest winds. His favorite? The howling blizzards of Mount Paektu.
He also slept on a specially designed herbal pillow, infused with 32 types of traditional medicinal herbs. This pillow, based on ancient Korean medical texts, was believed to improve circulation, prevent strokes, and enhance sleep quality. Additionally, he frequently indulged in “Five Herb Baths” (O-mok-su), which involved soaking in water infused with medicinal plants to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
Human Test Subjects for Health Experiments
The secretive Longevity Research Institute went beyond traditional medicine—it used human test subjects. Multiple individuals were selected for their physical resemblance to Kim Il-sung and were subjected to various experimental treatments before they were deemed safe for the dictator himself. These included rare herbal concoctions imported from China and new formulations designed to enhance vitality.
While some of these treatments were based on legitimate traditional medicine, many were experimental, reflecting North Korea’s willingness to prioritize the leader’s health above ethics or scientific rigor.
Energy Healing & Secret Meditative Techniques
North Korean elites also practiced a form of candle meditation, a technique used to improve focus and memory. This involved staring at a candle flame for extended periods, believed to stimulate brain function and enhance mental clarity. This technique was later adapted into elite military training and intelligence programs.
Another widely practiced method was “Dry Bathing” (Geon-yok), where individuals would vigorously rub their hands together to generate heat and then massage their bodies. This was believed to enhance blood circulation and stimulate energy flow through meridians, aligning with traditional Eastern medicine principles.
The Suppression of a Revolutionary Medical Theory
One of the most fascinating but little-known aspects of North Korea’s medical history involves a scientist named Kim Bong-han, who, in the 1960s, proposed the existence of a biological energy system called the Bonghan Theory. His research aimed to scientifically prove the presence of energy channels (known as meridians in Eastern medicine), which could revolutionize acupuncture and alternative medicine.
However, due to political shifts and skepticism from Soviet and East German scientists, the North Korean government suppressed his findings. Despite this, elements of his work were secretly incorporated into the Longevity Research Institute and influenced Kim Il-sung’s health practices.
Why This Matters Today
While some of these practices might seem bizarre, they offer insights into North Korea’s unique fusion of traditional medicine and political ideology. Interestingly, certain elements—such as herbal medicine, energy healing, and meditation—have gained popularity in the Western wellness industry in recent years.
However, the stark contrast remains: in North Korea, these treatments were reserved exclusively for the ruling elite, while ordinary citizens lacked basic healthcare access.
Final Thoughts👊👊
The longevity secrets of North Korea’s dictators remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: the pursuit of eternal life was more than a personal quest for Kim Il-sung—it was a state-sponsored mission. Whether through experimental medicine, ancient healing rituals, or human test subjects, North Korea’s elite had access to a world of treatments unimaginable to the average citizen.
As North Korea continues its secretive ways, who knows what new “health innovations” are being developed behind closed doors? One thing is certain: in a nation where survival is paramount, longevity remains the ultimate power play.