Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe PYONGYANG, North Korea, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- North Korean defectors claim Kim Jong Un's weight problems are partially due to the dictator's addiction to Swiss cheese. Kim, 31, developed a taste for Emmental cheese while studying in Switzerland and he reportedly has it imported to North Korea so he can satisfy his cravings. Advertisement One defector said the leader is believed to be purposefully increasing his weight to resemble his grandfather, North Korean founder Kim Il-sung. "North Koreans think being fat is good, unlike South Koreans who want to be skinny," Cho Myung-Chul, a North Korean defector who now works with the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, told The Mirror. "There is a high chance Jong Un intentionally gained weight to look like Il-sung." Veronique Drouet, director of the National Dairy Industry College in France, confirmed earlier this year Kim Jong Un attempted to have envoys enrolled in cheese making courses so he could have his Emmental made locally, but the request was denied. Read More American man arrested trying to swim to North Korea Seth Rogen's 'The Interview' will be cut to please North Korea Online security service starts selling Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin cat-scratch posts Popular Kim Jong Un video from China draws protest from North Korea Chinese president's visit to South Korea seen as snub to North