Seoul: A new batch of images sent today from North Korea show its leader, Kim Jong Il, appearing fit while touring a military unit, amid questions about his health.
The images, aired on state-run North Korean TV and distributed by South Korea's Unification Ministry, show Kim smiling during a visit to an air force unit. The North Korean leader is dressed in a winter parka, brown fur hat, thick gloves and his trademark sunglasses.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency first reported the military visit late yesterday, saying Kim praised the airmen for their diligence and urged them to remain disciplined in the face of enemy "aggression." Neither report specified when Kim made the visit or where the military unit is located.
South Korean and US officials say Kim suffered a stroke in August, but North Korea denies the 66-year-old leader, who has not publicly named a successor, was ever ill.
There is speculation the reported stroke may have affected Kim s left hand. Most recently released photos show him with his left hand tucked into his jacket pocket.
The latest photos show Kim clapping, though the thick gloves make it hard to gauge his use of his left hand.
Kim has made no impromptu public appearances since the suspected stroke.
The latest dispatches come amid tensions between the two Koreas, with the North restricting traffic through its border with South Korea. Relations have soured since a new pro-US, conservative South Korean government took office in February with a pledge to take a firmer line on the North.
