North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been missing in action for some time, even missing a state meeting which he has been attending since 2011.

The 31-year-old leader has not been seen in public events for three weeks, reported CNN. He has been always present during these events from the time he assumed the position after his father’s death.

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The absence of Kim was noticeable during Thursday’s Supreme People’s Assembly. The North Korean parliament has been attended by military authorities, members of the party and various organizations running in the country. However, it was conspicuous that the high rank seat, reserved for the young leader and surrounded by the country’s top officials, was left empty.

North Korean Studies professor Yoo Ho Yeol, at the Korea University in Seoul, said Kim was expected to be at the assembly as he was always present every session. Yoo also added they had speculated there could be something wrong regarding Kim’s health, and that might be the reason for his absence.

The absence of the North Korean leader got observers to speculate that he is encountering health issues due to gaining more weight. Kim was seen limping while walking last July, added the CNN report. Meanwhile, it has been difficult to determine where the young leader is, or whether something has gone wrong with his health.

Yoo said Kim’s absence reminds the Korean public of a similar situation back in 2008 when the late Kim Jong Il was already seriously ill. Leaders from around the world became inquisitive about the elder Kim’s health condition. Intelligence reports from South Korea and the US said Kim Jong Il had been suffering from health issues and had incurred a possibly stroke which took his life in 2011.

State-backed news agency KCNA lists a routine of events and public appearances that Kim has or will attend. There were 24 events from July to August 16 listed by KCNA which included his public appearances. However, the events were not updated after September 4. The last listed event he attended was a concert on that day, where he went with his wife Ri Sol Ju.

TagsNorth Korea, Kim Jong Il, CNN, Supreme People's Assembly, Korea University Seoul, North Korean Studies