North Korea has confirmed reports that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has been suffering from health problems but assures the people of the wealth and prosperity of the country.

The reports surfaced after the conspicuous absence of the 31-year old leader from public appearances. Michael Madden, a contributor to the 38 North website said, Kim appeared to have gout after several instances where the leader was seen limping while walking.

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Madden, who is an expert on the North Korean leadership said, the condition might have been caused by diet and genetics which has also affected other members of Kim's family.

The leader attended a ceremony in the capital city held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of KimIl Sung, the nation’s founder, and was seen walking unsteadily.

Kim’s absence from Thursday’s session of the Supreme People’s Assembly fueled public speculation about his health concerns. A seat reserved for the young North Korean leader surrounded by the country’s top brass was left empty.

The young leader has always been attending the session since his coming to the party in 2011.

The last recorded public appearance of Kim Jong Un was on September 3, when he attended a concert with his wife Ri Sol Ju. After the said event, no other appearances by the young leader were recorded.

KCNA, a state-run news agency, listed 24 events attended by Kim from July to August. However, there were no other events listed to be attended or has been attended by the North Korean leader.

Yoo Ho Yeol, a professor at the Korea University in Seoul said that experts and the public have been speculating about Kim’s health problem causing his absence. He said that weight gain could be the reason for his health issues. Furthermore, he said the same event also happened during Kim Jong Il’s reign when he started missing out public events.

Meanwhile, a prerecorded documentary from North Korea’s state media said that despite the the discomfort he is suffering, Kim still assures prosperity and wealth of the North Korea’s socialism.

TagsNorth Korea, Kim Jong Il, Michael Madden, Ri Sol Ju, Supreme People's Assembly, KCNA, Seoul, Korea University, Yoo Ho Yeol