South Korea's main spy agency reportedly believes that North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un's recent 40 day absence can be explained by surgery he had in September to remove a cyst from his right ankle, stated South Korean lawmakers, according to the LA Times.

The lawmakers reportedly stated that a doctor from Europe performed the surgery in North Korea, but did not specify a date or say which country the physician was from. The information regarding Kim Jong Un's disappearance was reportedly released by lawmakers Lee Cheol-woo of the ruling Saenuri Party and Shin Kyung-min of the opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy during a briefing about South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The NIS reportedly stated that there is a chance that the Kim Jong Un's condition could recur due to the leader's obesity and frequent inspection tours around the country, according to the media outlet English Yonhap News.

Kim's mysterious disappearance began in early September while he reportedly returned to the public eye on October 14 after appearing in photographs in the North Korean media. He was photographed walking with a cane.

31-year-old Kim reportedly took power soon after his father, Kim Jong Il, passed away in late 2011. There is reportedly speculation that Kim Jong Un is attempting to solidify his power in the country by igniting fear through executions.

The NIS reportedly stated that North Korea has executed about 50 people this year alone and demoted senior military officers by two ranks. According to the South Korean spy agency, Pyongyang has reportedly purged about 10 party officials for watching South Korean soap operas, which is forbidden in North Korea.

North Koreans are reportedly forced to face harsh punishment for listening to or watching foreign broadcasts.