Kim Jong-un’s three-week public absence has sparked rumors regarding the health of the 31-year-old North Korean leader. Moreover, footage showing him with a pronounced limp and looking much heavier than he did a few months ago, supports speculation that extremely painful spells of gout have kept him from attending important parliamentary sessions.

On Friday, North Korean authorities confirmed for the first time that Kim was suffering from an “uncomfortable physical condition”. However, they did not confirm rumors that he was suffering from gout.

A one-hour documentary was aired on Thursday showing Kim walking with difficulty while visiting factories and other sites. “The wealth and prosperity of our socialism is thanks to the painstaking efforts of our marshal, who keeps lighting the path for the people, like the flicker of a flame, despite suffering discomfort,” a voice-over said.