NK Leader Seen in Public Since Illness: Report
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il saw a soccer game, the first public appearance since speculation arose that he had suffered a stroke, the communist state's news agency reported Saturday.
The 66-year-old Kim, who reportedly have had surgery after suffering from cerebral hemorrhaging in August enjoyed a college football match, according to the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"After watching the match, leader Kim Jong-il congratulated the players on their good results, saying that the revolutionary and militant students in our country are good at art and sporting activities," the North's KCNA news agency reported.
Kim reportedly suffered a stroke in mid-August and underwent brain surgery which forced him to miss a key national event last month marking the 60th founding anniversary of the communist country.
Kim's absence prompted rampant speculation in the world on the leader's health. North Korean government officials denied the reports about Kim's ill health.
South Korea's main intelligence agency and a key presidential aide had said that Kim has recovered well enough to brush his teeth on his own and to stand with some assistance.
He has been out of the public view for more than a month, his last appearance being on Aug. 14 when he reportedly inspected a North Korean military unit.