Kim Jong Un is seen limping in a documentary outlining his achievements over the last year broadcast on the country’s state-run television channel.

The 110-minute film, titled The Great Year Of Victory, 2021 and aired on KRT, showcased the North Korean leader’s successes in missile development, construction, and efforts to beat the pandemic.

At one point, the leader of the secretive country is seen slowly descending a set of steps, followed by a group of officials, during a visit to a rainy construction site.

A notably slim Kim is carrying an umbrella and appears to be struggling somewhat, but the narration is classically sycophantic.

“Kim Jong Un,” the narrator said, “showed us his fatherly side by doggedly braving snow, rain, and wind while taking on the fate of the nation.

“He treated people like his own children, showing his motherly side, where he completely dedicated his own body to realise people’s dreams.”

This has been seen as a possible reference to the dictator’s recent weight loss.

The film also includes much of the content observers have come to expect from such efforts.

He is seen talking at various meetings, addressing a conference of rapt officials (some in tears) and meeting people at various locations.

As usual, North Korea’s military prowess features, with tanks, artillery, parading, cheering troops and countless missiles on show, some of which are seen being launched.

Jets and helicopters, trailing coloured smoke and fireworks, criss-cross the sky.

Kim is also seen on a horse, first on a beach in the opening shot and later galloping through a forest.

It should be noted, however, that he is filmed from behind in the first scene, filmed at sunrise, so it is impossible to be certain it is him.

The film shows a drone watering crops and swooping shots of a new residential development, images which contrast sharply with the hardships faced by North Koreans.

Increasing food shortages accelerated by Western sanctions brought in to deter its missile programmes, drought, and floods are some of the issues, UN agencies have said.

While North Korea has not confirmed any COVID-19 cases, it has closed its borders.