North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has not made a new appearance in state media in 23 days, according to NK News analysis, his longest period out of the public eye in the last year. 

His absence comes as the military initiated a new round of missile tests last week and as state propaganda has focused heavily on ongoing food shortages.

Authorities have also reinstituted COVID-19 restrictions such as a mandatory mask-wearing policy in line with what Kim said would be renewed dangersposed by the virus and seasonal flu in October and November, possibly contributing to Kim staying