N Korea marks event without leader
Kim Jong-un absent so far from North Korea anniversary
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| Mr Kim, seen here in a picture released in January, is said to be suffering from an "uncomfortable physical condition" |
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has so far not been reported at events marking the 69th anniversary of the ruling party, amid speculation over his absence from public view.
Mr Kim has not been seen for more than a month, the longest hiatus since he came to power in 2011.
State television last month said he had an "uncomfortable physical condition" and later showed him limping.
On Friday, South Korea said it believed Mr Kim remained in control.
"It seems that Kim Jong-un's rule is in normal operation," Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-cheol was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying.
Health problems?
As of 01:30 GMT on Friday, North Korean state media had not commented on Mr Kim's activities.
In 2012 and 2013, it had already reported his visit to Kumsusan Palace, a mausoleum for late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, by this time.
Mr Kim's absence has led to speculation over both his health and his grip on power.
South Korean media outlets, citing unidentified sources, suggest the 31-year-old, who is overweight, has gout.
Appearances by Mr Kim's number two, coupled with recent claims by a former North Korean official, have also led to some speculation that Mr Kim may have been toppled.
Mr Kim last visited Kumsusan Palace in July to mark the anniversary of the Korean War armistice
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