N. Korean leader Kim Jong-il fails to show on key national celebration.

N. Korean leader Kim Jong-il fails to show on key national celebration. (YHN).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il continued to remain out of public view Friday, as the communist nation marked the 69th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea.

In previous years, Kim paid tribute to his late father and grandfather at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang at midnight, along with top party and military officials. On those occasions, the North's state media reported Kim's activity just a few hours later.

But there have been no news reports yet of Kim, suggesting that he did not visit the facility designed to commemorate the North's founding leader and his grandfather Kim Il-sung.

The international community has closely watched whether Kim will make a public appearance on the occasion of the major national celebration amid speculation over his health.

Kim disappeared from the public eye after attending a concert in Pyongyang with his wife on Sept. 3. His absence from public events has spawned a number of rumors, including that he has died or been toppled in a military coup.

Government officials and experts here say it is likely Kim is suffering health problems, probably related to his ankles, rather than facing any challenge to his rule.

Speaking to lawmakers earlier this week, South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said Kim seems to be staying at a location north of Pyongyang. He cited "credible" military intelligence but would not elaborate.

Kim, who is reportedly in his early 30s, was seen limping at a July event marking the 20th anniversary of the death of his grandfather.

Instead of releasing pictures or video of Kim's activities, meanwhile, the North's media has carried routine coverage extolling his leadership.

The Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling community party, praised him as a symbol of the party's "dignity and invincibility."