North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had been staying away from the public eye since early September due to suspected health issues.

After over a month of his sudden disappearance, North Korean state media has reportedly published the first photos of Kim making a public appearance, according to CNN.

The picture reportedly shows the leader giving a "field guidance" to a newly built residential district and visited the Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences, according to the news agency KCNA. In the updated photos, Kim Jong Un was reportedly surrounded by officials and can be seen walking with a cane.

"Our scientists are patriots who are devoting all their lives to building a rich and powerful nation," Kim was quoted as saying, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Although there has been no explanation or details released regarding Kim Jong Un's health, media outlets have reportedly suspected that the 31-year-old was suffering from weight gain or gout. North Korean officials have reportedly denied that Kim Jong Un's absence was health-related while officials in both the United States and South Korea have stated that there were no indications Kim was in any sort of political trouble.

A source reportedly told Reuters last Thursday that Kim had hurt his leg while participating in a military drill.

The North Korean media report of Kim Jong Un's recent return may have been used to ease any concern within the North and its military after a gunfire exchange between North and South Korea on Friday, an analyst reportedly stated.

"He's the military leader, and there was military action a few days ago," stated An Chan-il, a former junior offer in the North's army who now heads a private think tank on North Korea in Seoul.