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Kim had been seen without a walking stick in still pictures
issued by the North's official media this week, after he emerged
in mid-October from a long absence, ending speculation over his
health and grip on power in the secretive state.
South Korea's intelligence agency said last week that Kim, who
rules North Korea as supreme leader, was likely to have
undergone surgery on his left ankle to treat complications
stemming from a cyst.
On Thursday North Korea's state television showed the
31-year-old Kim attending a meeting of military commanders,
walking on stage without the cane he had been using to support
himself since Oct. 14.
He appeared relaxed in the television footage, speaking to
military aides and waiving to officers gathered at the meeting,
which official media said had taken place earlier this week.
Kim, who has visibly gained weight since coming to power after
his father died of a heart attack in 2011, had been seen walking
with a limp since an event with officials in July.
He then disappeared from official media reports after a news
report showing him at a concert with his wife on Sept. 3.
(Reporting by Jack Kim)
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