NEW : U.S. officials downplay Kim 's absence at Friday tribute . It 's his longest absence from official events since he made his first public appearance in 2010 , said NK News , a website devoted to analyzing North Korea . Kim 's name is missing from a list of attendees at a shrine visit . The White House says the North Korean leader will not be attending, but he has been invited to attend an event in Washington next week with President Obama and other world leaders. Kim has n't been seen in weeks ; he 'd been expected to attend Workers ' Party ceremonies .
NEW : U.S. officials downplay Kim 's absence at Friday tribute . Kim 's name is missing from a list of attendees at a shrine visit . The White House says the North Korean leader will not be attending, but he has been invited to attend an event in Washington next week with President Obama and other world leaders. Kim has n't been seen in weeks ; he 'd been expected to attend Workers ' Party ceremonies .