[Yonhap Photo]
North Korea's reclusive young leader Kim Jong-un was seen limping again during his trademark field trip in footage released by Pyongyang's state TV this week, sparking speculation that his angle problem has returned.
A TV documentary aired late Wednesday showed Kim walking with a limp on his left leg during his inspection of a boy scout campsite, a shoe factory and a power plant in the eastern port city of Wonsan in early December.
Kim, 33, was seen limping visibly as he walking up stairs, putting more weight on his right leg. North Korea watchers believe he has a recurrent problem on his left leg.
In October 2014, Pyongyang's state TV showed the leader limping and walking with a stick when he resumed his public activities following an extended absence from the public eye that triggered a frenzy of speculation about his health.
At the time, intelligence officials in Seoul claimed Kim underwent an operation performed by a European doctor to remove a cyst from his left ankle. They speculated his ankle problem could recur due to his obesity.
Since assuming power after the death of his father Kim Jong-Il in late 2011, the young leader has been engaged in constant trips to military camps, factories, and other important spots to shore up his leadership.
South Korea's unification ministry said that it is too early to assess Kim's health as there were different video footages showing Kim limping or walking normally.
"So, it is too early to talk about the state of Kim Jong-un's health at this stage," spokesman Jeong Joon-hee told reporters.
Kim has been indulged in binge drinking and overeating, injuring his health by intemperance, the South's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said in October last year.
It's hard to verify information related to the leader of the world's most reclusive state, but defectors claimed Kim may have overindulged on steak, champagne and Swiss cheese like his late father whose decadent lifestyle had been well known among citizens in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-il's sudden death in December 2011 was attributed to high blood pressure and diabetes stemming from his appreciation of expensive French brandy and fine cuisine.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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