North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again taken an extended break from public appearances, this time coinciding with a slew of challenges facing the country such as flooding, economic hardships and a shortage of food.

The absence also comes as the U.S. and South Korea kick off joint military exercises this week, even though Kim has historically used the routine drills as an opportunity to attend North Korea’s own exercises or missile tests. 

State media last showed Kim’s official activities on July 30, a day after he took photos with participants