A North Korean singer and former girlfriend of leader Kim Jong-Un, who was reported to have been executed last year, has appeared on state television alive and well.

South Korean media had reported that Hyon Song-Wol had been arrested and executed by firing squad last year after accusations about a sex tape, with the story republished across western media.

However, these stories appear to have been disproved after she appeared on live television on Friday making a speech at a national art workers rally in Pyongyang.

In the speech, Song-Wol praised Kim’s leadership and promised to “stoke the flames of art and creative work” in the country.

Hyon Song-Wol’s most famous song as part of Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble was “Excellent Horse-like Lady”: