North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in 40 days, the nation's state-run news agency reported. Kim showed up at a newly built housing development and toured the grounds, according to a post on the Korean Central News Agency's website that was dated Tuesday. He appeared to be supporting himself with a black cane.
Kim hadn't been seen in public since attending a state concert with his wife on Sept. 3, walking with a limp, leading to questions about his health and the country's future leadership. KCNA reported that on the same day as the tour of the residential complex, Kim also visited another new state project, the Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences. The KCNA report did not specify on which day he made the visits. In still pictures broadcast by state TV, Kim was often shown seated, once with a cigarette in his hand, while his aides stood. He was also shown in a green multi-seat golf cart, along with several members of his entourage. The Obama administration told NBC News it was still trying to determine the report's authenticity.
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Reuters contributed to this report.
