SEOUL - NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Il inspected a military unit on Friday, state media said, after South Korea said the reclusive figure, thought to have suffered a stroke in August, failed to appear at a national ceremony.

North Korea's KCNA news agency said Mr Kim toured the barracks of a women's military unit and watched them undergo weapons training ? only the second reported public appearance by the communist leader in nearly two months.

In September, US and South Korean officials said Mr Kim may have suffered a stroke in August, raising questions about succession in Asia's only communist dynasty and about who was making decisions on its nuclear programme.

The exact state of health of Mr Kim, known at home as the 'Dear Leader', is one of the North's most closely guarded secrets.

Last week, the North's official media said Mr Kim, 66, attended a soccer match, which was the first mention of an appearance in the state's media in about 50 days.

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Friday Mr Kim failed to appear at a ceremony marking the anniversary of his communist party.

Mr Kim, the party's head, usually attends anniversary events that typically include dancing in the streets and masses of North Koreans shouting his praises.

This year's ceremony was more subdued than in the past, ministry officials said.

South Korean intelligence sources said they believed Mr Kim was recovering from his illness and that he had not lost his grip on power. -- REUTERS