1.   His habitual absence from the public eye has given rise to rumours that he is ill or faces an internal power struggle.

2.   His habitual absence from the public and a dearth of solid information behind the propaganda have fuelled doubts abroad about his health and his grip on power.

3.   His habitual absence from the public eye has spawned rumours about his health and grip on power.

4.   It was the third reported public appearance this month for Kim, whose habitual absence from the public eye late last year led to speculation about his health.