The pictures of Kim Jong-il's first appearance to a foreign guest since his alleged stroke in August show that he is well enough to govern the country, putting to rest the widespread speculation about his health, at least for the time being.
In a closely watched meeting by the world media, Wang Jiarui, chief of the international department in the Chinese Communist Party's central committee, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, which observers believe was meant to highlight Kim's firm grip on power and that he can make decisions on Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program, Yonhap News reported Saturday.
In his trademark quasi-military suit, Kim shook hands with the visiting Chinese official, extended his hands to receive what appeared to be Chinese President Hu Jintao's letter and held up a wine glass while smiling broadly at a luncheon.
A closer examination of the photos, however, shows that Kim appears to have lost weight, with his face worn and his left hand swollen. His well-known potbelly seems to have diminished.
Analysts, including Yang Moo-jin, a professor of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, believe that Kim's health is not yet perfect, but the leader is well enough to call the shots.
"The way he bent his arms looked a little awkward, and his face emaciated, making me conclude his health is not yet perfect. But his complexion was relatively good," Yang said. "Kim may have aimed to publicize his good health to the outside world by releasing photos through a foreign news agency."
The authenticity of photos taken by North Korean media had been questioned recently amid growing rumors of Kim's failing health after he did not attend an important anniversary event in September.
The pictures released from the meeting this time include not just the ones taken by the North Korean state media, but also the ones by the Chinese media. No video, however, has been released either by North Korean or Chinese media.
Wang arrived in Pyongyang Wednesday, raising speculation that his visit may provide an outside account on Kim's health.