The international spotlight fell on North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un during the country's annual military parade late Wednesday.?
This is because the leader was seen with a thinner frame, a trace of a tan and a haircut reminiscent of his grandfather state founder Kim Il Sung. He even seemed more energetic than ever.?
Dressed in a light-coloured suit, Kim didn't speak at the parade. But he waived, smiled and gave a thumbs-up as thousands of goose-stepping paramilitary and public security forces marched for more than an hour through central Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, fixing their gazes to the balcony where the leader was watching as they passed.??
He kissed the children who gave him flowers before going to observe the parade from a balcony. Throughout the event, he clapped and applauded the marchers and talked with senior officials in an animated manner.
Kim's new look got a lot of attention on Twitter and the internet couldn't stop talking about it. Many even had different theories.
?
The North Korean leader may have dropped at least 20 kilograms (44 pounds) over the past several months, according to a South Korean lawmaker briefed by a spy agency official in July. He looked even thinner at the parade.
Kim, overweight and a smoker has been the subject of health speculation for years and his public appearances are closely tracked for insights about the autocratic and secretive regime in Pyongyang, especially since his family has a history of heart disease.