North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in an undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency yesterday. Photo: KCNA/Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, shown using a cane for support, re-appeared in State media yesterday after a lengthy public absence that had fuelled speculation over his health and grip on power in the secretive, nuclear-capable country.

Several pictures on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed Kim smiling and gesturing on a visit to a housing development, although there was no indication which day the event took place.

He was surrounded by aides and wearing his signature dark buttoned suit, and appeared to be supporting himself with a black walking stick.

There have been no official reports on the 31-year-old Kim appearing in public since he attended a concert with his wife on September 3.

He missed an important political anniversary on Friday as well as a recent session of the country’s Parliament.