The following censorship instructions, issued to the media by government authorities, have been leaked and distributed online. The name of the issuing body has been omitted to protect the source.

Regarding news of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s absence from public appearance, media must not make unauthorized conjecture or commentary. Websites must take note, investigate, and control netizen commentary. (October 10, 2014) 有关朝鲜最高领导人金正恩未露面消息，媒体不得擅自揣测评论。网站要注意审核控制有关网民评论。[Chinese]

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jung Un has been unseen since early last month, and wide speculation as to the cause of his continued absence has ranged from a recently staged coup to gout recovery. The New York Times reports that the leader’s failure to appear at the 69th anniversary celebration of the founding of the ruling Worker’s Party of Korea on Friday is likely to fuel further rumors about his whereabouts.