Kim Jong-Un is reportedly "missing" since his last media photo on Sept. 3 in which he was shown smoking cigarettes during the performance of the Moranbong Band.

Unlike his father Kim Jong-Il, the younger Kim is more present in the media and his recent absences make observers speculate on what has been keeping the young Korean leader away from the public.

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For instance, Kim was always seen in public functions where his appearance is needed. Now, most of these public and official gatherings were either attended by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, or by his younger sister, Kim Yo Jong.

For the entire time the leader has been missing, the media have reported that he missed an important state meeting and another that marked the 17th anniversary of his father's being elected as the general secretary of the Worker's Party.

People have been speculating where Kim was after being seen limping in a North Korean propaganda film released to the public. That was the last time the dictator was seen as reported by Reuters.

The film noted that the ruler suffering from "discomfort" and that the Hermit Kingdom's ruler was forcing himself to still work for his country despite his condition. Media outlets then released news report saying that Kim might be recovering from an ankle or gout surgery.

However, Kim was not completely out of touch. Reports suggest that he has been recently credited writing several letters, which include a letter addressed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and another is a letter to the Youth League workers in Pyongyang.

Also, the three North Korean envoys who visited Incheon, South Korea during the closing of the Asian Games dismissed rumors of Kim. They said the dictator has no health problems.

TagsPyongyang, North Korea, Sister, Wife, government, ankel surgery, gout surgery