For the past 23 days, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- usually a ubiquitous presence in state media -- has gone AWOL, prompting speculation about his health.
After Kim failed to show up to a session of North Korea's rubber-stamp parliament on Friday, state media reported that the leader "is not feeling well," and is suffering from an "uncomfortable physical condition."
There's no indication of what exactly is ailing Kim, but rumors suggest he may have gout.
The rare admission came during a one-hour documentary that aired Thursday on state broadcaster Korean Central Television, according to the multiple reports.
"The wealth and prosperity of our socialism is thanks to the painstaking efforts of our marshal, who keeps lighting the path for the people, like the flicker of a flame, despite suffering discomfort," the documentary's narrator reportedly said.
South Korean media, citing sources familiar with North Korean affairs, speculated that Kim might be suffering from gout, diabetes and high blood pressure. Kim, 31, is known to be a heavy smoker, and has gained considerable weight since he came to power in 2011, after the death of his father Kim Jong-il. The Daily Mirror even suggested that Kim's health has deteriorated due in part to his love for Emmental cheese.
So either Kim Jong Un is dead or he has gout or he sprained his ankle or he is taking a brief media vacation. Got it, thanks.
— Max Fisher (@Max_Fisher) September 26, 2014
Confirmation of Kim's poor health comes after he was seen limping on TV in July. His absence could also indicate some sort of power struggle or tension inside the secretive the regime, but some experts are skeptical, since Kim previously disappeared from public life in 2012, only to return two weeks later, with no explanation.