Kim Jong-un has returned to public view after a two-month disappearance, but a stunned elderly man in a wheelchair has become the unexpected focus of newly released official photographs.
The North Korean leader had been absent from public events since March, skipping building openings and even the 73rd anniversary of the end of the Korean War. Speculation about his health and whereabouts had been widespread.
Staged Propaganda Event
Newly released images show Kim at a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 80th anniversary. He is seen receiving flowers from women in traditional hanbok dress and posing for group photos in a marble hall decorated with a violin crest.
The heavily staged pictures depict military officials, suited men, and weeping supporters clapping for the beaming leader. However, one attendee appears out of sync with the script.
Wheelchair Man's Reaction
In a smaller group photo, an elderly man in a wheelchair in the front row looks sharply to his right with his mouth open in shock, seemingly distracted by something off-camera. The rest of the group gazes at Kim in awe.
Pyongyang-approved media did not mention Kim's presence at the event, instead praising the orchestra's history and tradition as a "precious treasure" of the state.
Military Tensions
Kim's return comes amid renewed military activity. North Korea recently launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, restarting weapons tests days before US-South Korea joint military exercises.
The last official images of Kim were from March with Belarus's leader. The propaganda machine is working to show Kim in control, but the background bloke in the photo might prompt censors to be more careful.
