The reappearance of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after a public absence spanning over a month has quelled rumours of a coup in Pyongyang.
Pictures splashed on the covers of the North Korean paper Rodung Sinmun show Kim, who appeared to be leaning on a cane for support, being guided through the newly completed Wisong Scientists Residential District surrounded by aides and officials.
Fears had arisen over his health and the state of internal politics in the unpredictable and secretive state, with some analysts even discussing the possibility of a coup in the capital. These were only heightened by the fact that Kim missed two high-profile national days – the 9 September Foundation Day of the North Korean State and the 10 October anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Workers’ Party. Prior to today, there had been no official appearance or sighting of the leader since 3 September when he attended a concert with his wife.
A report from the official news agency KCNA, known for its chronicling of Kim also mentioned the visit to the Wisong Scientists Residential District and Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences and was dated on Tuesday, yet it was not specified on which day the visit was made.
“Our scientists are patriots who are devoting all their lives to building a rich and powerful nation,” Kim was quoted as saying.
International analysts have been speculating as to the reason of his absence yet the appearance of the leader, walking stick in hand, corresponds to the reports of Kim’s absence being due to some “unspecified discomfort” as North Korean state media have been reporting.
