The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has just released new footage showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's first public appearance since he mysteriously disappeared from the public view in May. After three weeks of missing important government events, Kim personally hosted a military meeting in North Korea over the weekend, as reported by KCNA.
After missing various public events, including the celebrations for his grandfather's birthday, rumors began to spread that Kim may be going through some health-related issues. His grandfather, Kim Il Sung, is North Korea's first dictator. Some reports speculated that he may have undergone a major operation.
Earlier in the month, South Korea's intelligence agency claimed that Kim may have chosen to stay away from the public eye due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The last time Kim was seen in public was when he had personally visited the opening of a fertilizer factory on May 1.
Kim's absence from some of the country's major events was followed by a number of mysterious changes as reported by South Korean media. This included the sudden replacement of his personal bodyguard and the ousting of the head of North Korea's spy agency. It is not yet clear if the events are necessarily related to Kim's absence.
On Sunday, the KCNA put an end to the rumors and released new footage and images of Kim hosting a military meeting. During the meeting, Kim reportedly led the issuance of new policies that included the bolstering of the country's nuclear war deterrence. The news agency did not specify the nature of the new policies and only stated that they were "crucial measures."
Reports from South Korea had noted that the KCNA had failed to mention the exact dates of when the meeting had taken place. It was also stated that North Korea is well-known for withholding information as well as spreading false statements.
The agency did mention that North Korea plans to considerably increase its firepower and striking capabilities of the Korean People's Army weapon systems. Kim also led discussions at the Central Military Commission to place the nation's armed forces on high alert due to the continued development of foreign armies.
The discussion comes as reports had emerged of the Trump administration's latest plans to conduct nuclear tests. The tests will be the first of its kind conducted on US soil since 1992. The US is reportedly holding the tests as a potential warning to both China and Russia.
