The National Intelligence Service, South Korea's version of the CIA, claims to have uncovered the truth to what happened to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he went missing last month.

South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers that Kim had surgery to remove a cyst from his right ankle and was incapacitated until he reappeared in public, according to The Associated Press.

Kim, who makes frequent public appearances, wasn't seen in North Korean state media from Sept. 3 until Oct. 14. His absence ignited rumors around the world that he had died, been secretly deposed, or some other fantastical demise that surely awaits all totalitarian leaders.

It turned out that it was just surgery that kept the leader out of the public eye, according to the National Intelligence Service. When Kim reappeared in public, he was supported by a cane, Voice of Americareported.

Had something more sinister happened to Kim, it likely would have rocked North Korea. The Kim family is an institution north of the 38th parallel, having ruled the reclusive country since it was founded in 1948.

The spy agency also reported that the cyst may return because of Kim's obesity, smoking and taxing public schedule. If it does rear its ugly head again and Kim is incapacitated, the rumor mill will already be ready to churn.

It is not yet known how the National Intelligence Service came about this information, and it's important to note that the spy agency has been wrong in intelligence reports before.

In findings outside of Kim, the spy agency said that North Korea has expanded five political prisoner camps, which now hold about 100,000 prisoners. The National Intelligence Agency also said that North Korea executed several people who were close to Kim's uncle, who was executed by the state in December.

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