VIDEO NK leader Kim Jong-un looks well
By Park Si-soo
A broadly-smiling Kim Jong-un appeared in public for the first time in 20 days, waving hands to a cheering crowd, talking to his aides and cutting a red ribbon to celebrate the opening of a fertilizer factory in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang.
He was also seen walking normally around the factory.
North Korea's state TV released video footage of the opening ceremony Saturday, saying the event took place the previous day.
The video put to rest a wave of rumors and speculation that he might be gravely sick or even dead.
Hours earlier, the North's state news agency, the KCNA, released several photos of Kim at the factory, dressed in a dark Mao suit and his signature sweptback hairstyle.
"All the participants broke into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!' extending the greatest glory to the Supreme Leader who has brought about a new change in the development of Juche-based fertilizer industry and has led the grand revolutionary advance for strengthening self-supporting economy to a victory with his outstanding leadership," the KCNA said.
His sister, Kim Yo-jong, who was considered among the most likely to succeed him by several reports should he become incapacitated or die, was seen standing next to the leader.
Other senior officials, including Pak Pong-ju, vice chairman of the WKP's Central Committee and Premier Kim Jae-ryong, accompanied Kim, according to the KCNA. The North's No. 2 leader Choe Ryong-hae was not among the attendees.
Kim and his officials were not wearing masks.