Kim Jong-un has made his first public appearance at a factory opening, ending a nearly three-week absence from public view that fueled rumours of his death.
In footage broadcasted by state media KNCA today, the North Korean leader is seen smiling as he attends an opening ceremony of a fertiliser factory in Sunchon.
He wears an all-black outfit but no facemask as he strolls around the factory. Kim Jong-un, believed to be 36, appears cheerful as he talks to the staff while smoking a cigarette in a conference room.
The dictator was accompanied by several senior North Korean officials including his younger sister Kim Yo-jong, Korean Central News Agency said.