NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- North Korean state-run media said on Saturday that leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony for the completion of a fertilizer plant north of Pyongyang, making it his first appearance in 20 days/
The government released photos of Kim at the facility.
The KCNA said workers broke into “thunderous cheers” for Kim, who it said is guiding the nation in a struggle to build a self-reliant economy in the face of “head wind” by “hostile forces,” a clear reference to U.S.-led sanctions over the North’s nuclear ambitions.
The agency said Kim warmly acknowledged the workers and said his late father and grandfather “would be greatly pleased” the factory was completed.
Initially asked about the report as he was leaving the White House for Camp David, President Trump told reporters, according to pool notes, "I'd rather not comment on it yet."
Kim was last seen on April 11, presiding over a political bureau meeting of the ruling Workers Party.
His absence at events commemorating the 108th birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on April 15 led to intense speculation about his health -- some, even claiming he was dead.