Signs that Kim Jong Un is suffering from discomfort appeared again recently, when he walked with a limp on state television.
But on Wednesday South Korea’s unification ministry said it is «too early» to tell whether Kim is ill, while adding the situation needs to be monitored carefully, South Korean news service News 1 reported.
«At this point, it is too early to say anything about Kim Jong Un’s health condition,» said Jeong Joon-hee, the ministry’s spokesman. «There is a need to observe the situation closely. »
The North Korean leader appeared to be limping on state television footage that aired on Tuesday.
The footage was taken in December when Kim visited the December 6 Youth Camp in Kangwon Province. He could be seen limping on his left leg as he toured the area.
Kim, who is believed to be 33, was first seen walking with a limp in 2014, after a prolonged period of absence.
The North Korean leader has also gained significant weight since fully assuming power after 2011, and his weakness for foods like Swiss cheese has not helped him shed the pounds he has put on in recent years.
In 2016, Seoul’s spy agency said Kim’s health had not improved and that he had gained about 90 pounds since 2012.
Seoul said Wednesday the footage appears to have been taken between Dec. 6 and 13, but that Kim appeared to have recovered, according to state-sanctioned images taken after the period.
The unification ministry also said it has approved the Eugene Bell Foundation’s request to deliver medication for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in North Korea.
Seoul said it plans to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to «vulnerable groups» including pregnant women and children.
