DPRK's Kim makes first public appearance in 40 days

Kim Jong-un gives field guidance in a newly built residential district. It's his first public appearance in about 40 days. [Photo/IC]

On Sept 25, Kim did not show up at the second session of the Supreme People's Assembly, the DPRK's top legislative body.

The next day, a short video clip broadcast on the Korean Central Television said Kim was still busy leading the DPRK people with enormous enthusiasm despite his recent ill-health.

However, on Oct 5, South Korean Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl- Jae said Kim Yang Gon, a senior leader from the DPRK, told him privately that there was no problem with Kim's health during the visit of three senior DPRK officials to South Korea for the closing ceremony of the 17th Asian Games.

On Oct 10, Kim did not visit the Palace of the Sun at Kumsusan, which was a commemorative ceremony marking the 69th anniversary of the founding the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

Each year as a ritual, he would pay tributes to the deceased leaders of the DPRK, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun since he assumed power in late 2011.

Kim was a no-show at a national meeting on Oct 7 to mark the 17th anniversary of former top leader Kim Jong Il's election as general secretary of the WPK.