Kim Jong-un reappears with a cane

North Korean media today published photos of leader Kim Jong-un using a cane to visit a complex in the country, marking his return to public view after 40 days of absence.

Mr. Kim Jong-un in his latest appearance before the media. Photo: Rodong Sinmun

North Korean state news agencyKCNAKim Jong Un "directed guidance" at the newly built Wisong Scientists' Residence, the agency said, adding that the North Korean leader had earlier visited the Institute of Natural Energy of the State Academy of Sciences.

"Our scientists are patriots who are dedicating all their lives to building a rich and strong nation,"news agencyquoted Mr. Kim as saying.

Several senior North Korean officials accompanied Mr Kim on his visit to the residential area, including Hwang Pyong-so, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, who is considered the second most powerful person in the country.

Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, published several photos of Mr. Kim's visit to the facility. In the photos, he is seen walking with a cane.

The North Korean state media did not specify when the photos were taken. CNN senior editor Brian Todd said it was not possible to verify Kim's actual reappearance. "There are still many questions and too few answers at this time," Todd said.

Similarly, US National Security Council spokesman Patrick Ventrell said he could not confirm the KCNA report. "We have seen this headline but cannot comment on its authenticity at this time," he said.

Kim Jong-un's absence from important events over the past 40 days has sparked speculation about his health, as well as the possibility of changes in the power structure in Pyongyang.

This is not Kim’s first prolonged absence from public view. In August 2012, six months after he took power, North Korean state media did not report on or photograph him for 23 days. He reappeared a month later, when he visited a dolphinarium.

North Korean leader appears with a cane. Photo: Rodong Sinmun

According to VnExpress.net