The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not say exactly when Mr Kim's visit took place, but it said 'service persons enthusiastically welcomed him and offered him the warmest New Year greetings'.

KCNA said Mr Kim returned the New Year wish before watching personnel in training and also an 'art performance' by the unit. Mr Kim also had his photograph taken with the division, the report said.

South Korean and US officials have said the 66-year-old Kim suffered a stroke in mid-August. Seoul officials said he has made a good recovery, and both South Korean and US officials say he is still in control of the country.

Mr Kim's health is the subject of intense interest since he has not publicly nominated a successor to rule the nuclear-armed communist state.

Mr Kim has a history of diabetes and heart disease, Seoul officials say.

North Korea's state media carried no reports between Aug 14 and Oct 4 of Mr Kim's public appearances.

But the media have reported Mr Kim's trips to a variety of destinations since then and have published photographs in an apparent attempt to show that he is active and in charge. -- AFP