N. Korean leader visits Pyongyang silk, gum factories

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has visited a silk
yarn and gum factory in Pyongyang to urge workers to enhance production and
quality, the North's state-run media reported Thursday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) monitored in Seoul said Kim visited the
silk yarn factory and after praising workers called for redoubled effort to raise
production to world-class levels. He also said more should be done to modernize
production facilities and research on silkworms to increase output.
The report added that the reclusive leader visited a gum factory in the capital
city and talked to workers there along with high ranking officials from the
Worker's Party of Korea.
North Korea watchers say that after vanishing from the public view for two months
starting in mid-August last year, Kim reappeared in early October and has since
started to make regular appearances.
His prolonged absence triggered speculation that Kim was incapacitated by a stroke.
Since early October, North Korean media have moved to quell such speculation by
releasing photos of Kim attending an artistic performance, sporting events and
visits to troops and factories.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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