SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, using a cane for support, visited a housing development, state media reported today, ending a lengthy absence from public view that had fuelled speculation over his health and grip on power in the secretive country.
Several pictures on the front page of today’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed Kim smiling and gesturing, surrounded by aides and wearing his signature dark buttoned suit and appearing to be supporting himself with a black cane.
The 31-year-old Kim had not appeared in public since attending a concert with his wife on September 3, missing an important political anniversary on Friday as well as a recent session of the country’s parliament.
A story in the official KCNA news agency on two public appearances by Kim was dated today but did not specify on which day he made the visits. It also did not mention Kim’s lengthy absence from public view.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports.
