NORTH Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, 32, was finally seen again in public after a five-week absence. Although the Rodong Sinmun newspaper failed to indicate when the image was taken, it somehow ended the public speculation that the young leader is suffering from illness. The korean daily showed a picture of Kim who seemed to be in a good mood as he smiled and made some gestures while visiting the two newly built Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences, and Wisong Scientists Residential District. He was sporting his signature dark buttoned suit and looks like he was supporting himself with a crutch.
During his visit to the two building development, he pledged to take the "necessary steps with loving care" to make the area a "world-class science city." He was also quoted mentioning, " Our scientists are patriots who are devoting all their lives to building a rich and powerful nation." Pictures of him in a green multi-seat golf cart, along with his entourage, were circulated by state TV.
" The video had no date in it, so it's not clear exactly when this happened but it appeared on state television on early Tuesday morning," according to Teresa Bo of Al Jazeera. Furthermore, Kim's officials disclaimed the rumors that his public absence since early September was due to health reasons, although they did not elaborate the cause of his absence. One reliable source also told Reuters on Thursday that their leader had just hurt his leg during a military drill, but assured of Kim's solid control of the country.
The leader's last public appearance was in September 3, during a concert along with his wife, Ri Sol-ju. Rumors regarding his health surfaced when he missed several high-profile and political events he normally graces, such as North Korea's parliament meeting last September 25, and the memorial event last October 10.
