December 18, 2013 10:51
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's wife Ri Sol-ju made her first public appearance in 62 days on Tuesday when she accompanied her husband to the mausoleum of his father and grandfather.
The visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of nation founder Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il lie embalmed, came on the second anniversary of the latter's death.
Rumors were rampant in the wake of the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle Jang Song-taek that she had also fallen victim to the purge, but her appearance on Tuesday puts them to rest.
Footage on North Korean state TV showed Ri and Kim walking side by side and giving the impression that they are on good terms. They went up the steps to the palace arm in arm.
Ri looked healthy and sported a short haircut, black dress and bright smile. When officials paid silent tribute to Kim Jong-il, she stood a respectful half step behind her husband.
According to the rumors, it was Jang who recommended Ri as a suitable spouse for Kim after he had had an affair with her, and that Jang attempted to influence decision-making through her.
It was probably to quell such rumors that North Korean Central TV aired a 20-second archive clip last Friday, the day after Jang's execution, that showed Ri accompanying Kim on an inspection of the palace during a renovation project last summer.
Kim Jong-un and his wife reportedly have two children.
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