North Korean News Agency released photos of leader Kim Jong Un walking with North Korean officials using a cane for support after a long media hiatus questioned the leaders health, according to The Associated Press.
Kim re-appeared only after his absence began to fuel speculation over his health, and his grip on power in the country, the AP reported.
The pictures released in a newspaper showed Kim smiling on an alleged visit to a housing development, but there was no indication which day the event actually took place, CBS News reported. In the pictures released by the media, Kim is surrounded by aides and is wearing his signature dark buttoned suit.
Since Kim was spotted attending a concert with his wife on Sept. 3, he has not been seen in public officially and missed a political anniversary and parliament session, according to the AP.
A story released by the Korean Central News Agency reported on two public appearances by Kim was dated Tuesday but also did not specify on which day he made the visits, the AP reported.
The KCNA report said he "gave field guidance" to the new Wisong Scientists Residential District and visited the newly built Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences, according to the AP. "Our scientists are patriots who are devoting all their lives to building a rich and powerful nation," Kim was quoted as saying.
The pictures were broadcast by state TV as Kim was shown seated, once with a cigarette in his hand, and was also shown in a green multi-seat golf cart, along with several members of his entourage, the AP reported.
According to South Korean analyst Cheong Seong-chang, at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea, Kim probably broke his media silence to dispel outside speculation that he wasn't in control and to win sympathy from a domestic audience by creating the image of a leader who works through pain, according to the AP.
Seong-Chang speculated the appearance may be a form of "emotional politics meant to appeal to the North Korean people's sympathy," the AP reported.
