PYONGYANG, Oct. 14 -- A photo published Tuesday by the official Rodong Sinmun of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) showed top leader Kim Jong Un looked healthy except walking with a walking stick after disappearing from the public for over 40 days.

Kim walked with a walking stick when he gave field guidance to a newly built residential district for scientists, the official KCNA news agency reported on the same day, echoing reports that he was recovering from a leg injury.

The young leader was last seen in public on Sept. 3 when he watched the performance of the Moranbong Band with his wife Ri Sol Ju at the Mansudae Art Theater.

His longest absence from public events since he took power has drawn the world's attention and fueled speculations about his health.

Kim was shown walking with a limp on the Korean Central Television on July 8 at a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the death of his grandfather and former leader Kim Il Sung.