Kim Jong Un's rule over DPRK seems in normal operation: ROK

Top leader Kim Jong Un's rule over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) seemed to be in a normal operation, the Unification Ministry of the Republic of Korea (ROK) said Friday amid growing speculation over Kim's health disorder.

Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-chul told a routine press briefing that Kim Jong Un's rule is seemingly working normally as instructions related to Kim's leadership are being offered continuously.

When the high-ranking DPRK delegation visited the ROK, Hwang Pyong So sent Kim's greetings to President Park Geun-hye though Kim disappeared from public view for more than a month, the spokesman said.

Hwang, DPRK's second-in-command, visited the ROK on Oct 4 to attend the closing ceremony of the Incheon Asian Games. He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae and Kim Yang Gon, secretaries of the Central Committee of the Workers'Party of Korea.

The ROK government has nothing yet to confirm or deny speculations over Kim's health problems, the spokesman added.

The DPRK's state media did not report the traditional visit by Kim to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the founding of the ruling Workers'Party of Korea, boosting speculation over Kim's health problem.

At around midnight Thursday, no police or security guards were seen around the palace where the remains of late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are preserved.

Each year, Kim Jong Un has paid tributes to the deceased leaders during the midnight ritual at the palace since he assumed power at the end of 2011. This year marks the 69th anniversary of the founding of the party.