North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made a field trip in his first public appearance in about 40 days, Pyongyang state media reported Tuesday, taming rampant speculation over his physical and political health.

The visit to the Wisong Scientists Residential District and a new energy research institute marked his first “field guidance” since attending a musical concert on Sept. 3. The official Korean Central News Agency did not mention the date of the trip, but it was thought to have been Monday.

In a photo carried in the Rodong Sinmun, a ruling Workers’ Party mouthpiece, Kim looks healthy, though he has apparently lost some weight and still relies on a cane. Seoul’s intelligence officials speculate that he has had surgery on his leg.

“Watching the exterior of the apartment houses and public buildings nicely decorated with diverse color tiles, he was very pleased to see them. He said they looked very attractive, presenting fantastic scenery,” the KCNA said.

The dispatch is expected to calm a global frenzy of speculation about the young leader’s whereabouts. As he repeatedly missed key national and party events, rumors had circulated that he was brain dead or that a military coup had broken out.

Kim, who is believed to be a heavy drinker and an unhealthy eater, has visibly gained weight in recent months. He had been seen walking with a limp since July.


By Shin Hyon-hee
(heeshin@heraldcorp.com)



  North Korean leader Kim Jong-un makes his first public appearance in 40 days by visiting a residential district in Pyongyang. (KCNA-Yonhap)