North Korea admits Kim Jong-Un ill health as 'rapid weight gain causes leader gout'

NORTH KOREA has finally admitted Kim Jong Un is suffering "discomfort" following weeks of rumours over the health of the secretive state's leader.Speculation over the 31-year-old's condition have been rife after he failed to appear in public for almost three weeks. Earlier this year, Jong-Un was seen walking with a limp, leading observers to conclude he is suffering from gout.

North Korea's Supreme Leader has rapidly gained weight - a factor which increases the risk of the condition - since coming to power following the death of his father in 2011. Jong-Un has not been photographed by state media since appearing at a concert alongside his wife, 24-year-old Ri Sol-ju, on September 3.

He also failed to make a scheduled appearance during a special session of the country's parliament yesterday. A pre-recorded broadcast of a North Korean Supreme People's Assembly meeting revealed Jong-Un notably absence, a fact that will be of interest to governments and leaders around the world.

There have also been suggestions an ongoing power struggle within the North Korean military has made Jong-Un reluctant to appear in public.

[link to www.express.co.uk]