The Unification Ministry in Seoul says it is closely studying the North Korean media’s lack of any recent public appearances by reclusive leader Kim Jong-il.

Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung told reporters Monday that it is worth noting that Kim has not appeared in public since May 21st.

Chun said that a dozen public appearances Kim made during this month were mostly centered on inspecting economic facilities and that Kim has made a total of 68 public appearances so far this year.