Kim Jong Un appeared for the first time in 40 days using a cane, photos published by North Korea’s state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed on Tuesday.

Kim had been missing from public view since attending a concert in Pyongyang on September 3, with his absence sparking widespread rumors about his health and the stability of the leadership.

Rumors of a foot or ankle injury, which had grown particularly prominent in recent days, appear to be proven correct by the pictures published on Tuesday.

An article earlier published by KCNAat about 4 a.m. Korean Standard Time (KST) was first to provide