Pyongyang has moved to counter speculation about its leader's health. ABC News lists a video headline from 20 October that North Korea released photos of Kim Jong Un after death rumours. I have only seen the headline, so I do not know when the photographs were taken, where he appeared or what activity they showed.
Rumours about the health or death of North Korea's leader have surfaced many times, partly because the country is highly secretive and state media controls information. When a leader disappears from public view for a period, speculation spreads online. Governments, intelligence agencies and journalists usually treat such claims cautiously until there is solid evidence.
Releasing photographs is a typical way to counter the rumours, though images alone can be difficult to authenticate. Independent analysts often look at details such as the setting, the date references and consistency with earlier reports to judge whether a photograph is recent. I cannot say whether any such analysis has been published in this case.
The story is a reminder to be careful with viral claims about public figures. Before sharing news of a death or serious illness, check whether credible outlets or official sources have confirmed it. Misinformation can spread quickly and can sometimes affect markets and diplomacy. North Korea has also continued testing missiles this month, according to earlier reports, so attention to the country remains high. Watch for further official appearances and for any independent confirmation of the date and location of the new photographs. Until then, it is sensible to treat both the rumours and the images with equal caution.
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