The North Korean state media has said that the country’s Supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, was suffering from “discomfort”, the first official acknowledgement of his ill-health after a prolonged absence from the limelight for several weeks.
Kim, 31, has not been photographed by State media since appearing at a concert alongside his wife Sep 3, fuelling speculation about his health.
“Based on his gait, it appears he has gout - something (due to) diet and genetic predisposition that has affected other members of the Kim family,” The Guardian quoted Michael Madden, an expert on the North Korean leadership and contributor to the 38 North website, as saying on Friday.
Kim has been seen walking with a limp since an event in July.