Kim Jong-un back in action

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday reappeared in public after 40 days of absence

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appeared in the country's official media on Tuesday, October 14 for the first time in 40 days, with several photos of him using a cane for support. A photo released by the Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers Party, on 14 October 2014, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R) speaking during his visit to the Wisong Scientists Residential District in Pyongyang, North Korea, 13 October 2014

His prolonged absence had fueled a flurry of speculation among outside watchers over his health and hold on absolute power

Previously Kim Jong-un did not attend a session marking the 17th anniversary of his father Kim Jong Il’s election as Secretary General of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Photo: North Korean national meeting at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang, North Korea, 07 October 2014, to mark the 17th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's election as general secretary of the Workers' Party

Kim Jong-un had not been seen in public since he watched a concert with his wife in Pyongyang on September 3

Such long absence is very uncharacteristic for Kim Jong Un as he is usually very active on public opposite to the rest North Korean ruling family. Photo: Kim Jong Un waves to spectators and participants of a military parade celebrating the 65th anniversary of the country's founding in Pyongyang, North Korea, December 13, 2013

Born January 8, 1983, Kim Jong Un assumed the office of the Supreme Leader of North Korea in 2011, following the state funeral of his father, Kim Jong Il. Photo: Kim Jong-un arrives for a performance by a national choir at a theater in Pyongyang, North Korea, 27 July 2014

Photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un holds up a parliament membership certificate during the Supreme People's Assembly in Pyongyang, North Korea, undated

In July 2012, Kim Jong-un was promoted to wonsu, the highest active rank in the military. Photo: Kim Jong-un saluting to military servicemen on a Navy ship after inspecting a military landing drill participated by the People's Army's ground, naval, air and anti-air forces

Kim Jong-un is seen to have a more mediagenic approach then his father, having given an annual New Year's speech, attending musical performances with his wife and being seen engaging with soldiers and workers very often

Photo: Kim Jong Un rides on a boat, North Korea, near the western sea border with South Korea, photo released March 11, 2013

Photo: Kim Jong Un reacts on a ride as he attends the completion ceremony of the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang, photo released July 26, 2012

Photo: Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, inspects the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang, file photo released July 25, 2012

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday appeared in the country's official media for the first time in 40 days, with several photos of him using a cane for support, after his prolonged absence had fueled a flurry of speculation among outside watchers over his health and hold on absolute power, Japan’s Kyodo news agency said. Kim Jong-un had not been seen in public since he watched a concert with his wife in Pyongyang on September 3. His disappearance from the public eye, the longest since he inherited power after his father died in December 2011, had fueled rumors outside North Korea that he may be seriously ill or in political trouble. Look through this gallery by TASS with the recent images of North Korean leader