Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks

Amid speculation over poor health and rumours of possible death, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public appearance on Friday after almost three weeks with an inauguration of a fertilizer factory.

Kim cut the ribbon at the opening of a fertilizer factory, north's state-run KCNA reported on Saturday, adding "all the participants broke into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!'" when he appeared.

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Later, KCNA also published the images of Kim attending the ceremony in Sunchon, near the capital Pyongyang, along with other senior officials including his sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong.

(North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2nd L) visiting the completed Suchon phosphate fertilizer factory in South Pyongan Province | Photo Credit: AFP)

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Rumours about Kim's critical health started circulating after he skipped April 15 celebrations, the birthday of his grandfather and the founder of the country. The day is considered the most important in North Korea's political calendar. However, South Korea and the US rejected claims that the North Korean leader is dead. 

(A ceremony to mark the completion of Sunchon phosphatic fertilizer factory in South Pyongan Province, North Korea | Photo Credit : AFP)

The images published in Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed the North Korean leader in his trademark black suit, smiling broadly and didn't give any impression of his poor health.  

However, the authenticity of the photos could not be verified. 

This was Kim's first public appearance since April 11, when he presided a Workers' Party politburo meeting.  

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)