Seoul - Amid continuing speculation about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the country's media reported Sunday on a further public appearance by the 
66-year-old.

Kim viewed cultural performances by several units of the People's Army, the state-controlled KCNA news agency reported, but when and where this took place was not clear.

South Korean secret services reported in September that Kim had suffered a stroke in the middle of August. They said he had also received brain surgery.

Following two months of silence on the leader's activities, North Korean media started broadcasting images of Kim again in mid-October and reporting on public appearances, like inspections of military units and visits to sporting events.

Each time the reports were broadcast, it was unclear when they were recorded or where they were taking place.

Kim "warmly waved back to the enthusiastically cheering performers and congratulated them on their successful presentation," KCNA reported Sunday.

Kim was watching the performances during the 32nd military cultural festival accompanied by high-ranking military representatives.

Kim's lengthy absence from the public spotlight prompted much speculation about his health.

Observers in Seoul suspect the most recent broadcasts are an attempt by the authorities to show a healthy leader in complete control of governing the isolated Stalinist state. (dpa)