KATHMANDU: Kim Jong-un has appeared in public for the first time in 20 days, North Korean state media said.
The North Korean leader cut the ribbon at the opening of a fertilizer factory, reported Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and added that that people at the factory “broke into thunderous cheers of hurrah” when he appeared on Friday.
The reported appearance – his first since an event on state media on 12 April – comes amid global speculation over his health.
The latest reports from North Korean media, however, could not be independently confirmed.
State media later released images that showed Kim cutting a ribbon outside a factory.
Asked about Kim’s reported reappearance, US President Donald Trump told reporters that he didn’t want to comment yet.
According to KCNA, Kim was accompanied by several senior North Korean officials, including his sister Kim Yo Jong.
The North Korean leader cut a ribbon at a ceremony at the plant, in a region north of Pyongyang, and people who were attending the event “burst into thunderous cheers of ‘hurrah!’ for the Supreme Leader who is commanding the all-people general march for accomplishing the great cause of prosperity”, KCNA says.
Speculation about Kim’s health began after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of his grandfather, state founder Kim Il Sung on 15 April.
The anniversary is one of the biggest events in the North Korean calendar, and Kim usually marks it by visiting the mausoleum where his grandfather lies.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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