Kim Jong-il makes public appearance: ABC reports

(ATTN: UPDATES with details, background throughout)
By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has made his
first public appearance in nearly two months, news reports said Monday.
U.S. broadcaster ABC cited analysts who said the appearance is "aimed at quelling
speculations about his health."
The report, however, did not elaborate on when and where Kim made the appearance.
Reports have said he suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgery, which North
Korea denies.
The broadcaster showed footage of Kim entering a room in white attire, but beside
him was a man believed to be former North Korean prime minister Yon Hyong-muk who
died years ago.
Kim has been absent from public view since Aug. 14, spawning speculation about
his health.
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency released a photo of Kim in
early October, saying he visited a female artillery unit to boost the morale of
the troops.
Skepticism, however, abounded about the authenticity of the photo, which has a
background of summer forest when North Korea in October should have fall colors.
North Korean media also reported Kim watched a soccer game a couple of weeks ago
without revealing the date or showing any photos or video images of him.
North Korean media usually report Kim Jong-il's public appearances belatedly
without giving specific dates.