India, Oct. 20 -- North Korea has released fresh photographs of Kim Jong Un inspecting clothing and footwear at an exhibition, drawing international attention after unverified social media claims suggested that the country's leader had suffered a severe brain haemorrhage and died. The images, published by state media on October 20, show Kim examining children's shoes, inspecting women's coats and speaking with officials, offering a glimpse of his reported public activities amid growing speculation about his health.

The photographs have renewed focus on how North Korea responds to rumours surrounding its secretive leader. Although the state media report describes Kim's latest visit, the images have not been independently authenticated, an...