North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made his first public appearance since 3 September, the country's official news agency says.

朝鲜领导人金正恩自9月3日以来首次公开露面。

North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried several images said to be of Kim Jong-un's visit

The KCNA agency said on Tuesday that Mr Kim "gave field guidance" at a newly built scientists' residential¹ district.

Rodong Sinmun daily newspaper carried several photographs of Mr Kim using a walking stick as he inspected the site.

The absence of the 32-year-old leader had prompted a flurry of speculation² about his health.

Some observers said Mr Kim could be suffering from gout or problems in his hip³ joint⁴. Others even questioned if he remained in control of the state.

Official media have cited unspecified personal "discomfort⁵" as grounds for Mr Kim's absence from public view.

On Sunday, North Korea's ambassador to London told the BBC that Mr Kim was in good health.

KCNA said that Mr Kim was briefed on the Wisong Scientists Residential District "before a map showing its bird's-eye view" and that he then "overlooked it".

"Looking over the exterior⁶ of the apartment houses and public buildings, decorated with diverse coloured tiles, (Mr Kim) expressed great satisfaction, saying they looked very beautiful," the agency said.

It also said that Mr Kim visited the newly-built Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences.

Although the news release was dated Tuesday, it did not specify⁷ on which day he made the visits.