North Korea and the Kim Jong-un rumour mill in 60 secs

This week's publication of still pictures of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un staunched a flood of rumours.

A six-week lack of photographs of the 32-year-old leader had prompted a flurry of speculation about his health. Some said he could be suffering from gout or hip problems while others questioned whether he remained in control of the state.

BBC News explains why rumours about the secretive regime are so rife - in 60 seconds.