In a rare display of emotion, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared to cry and at one point appeared to choke during a speech at a military parade. Visibly moved, Kim thanked the troops for their sacrifices and apologized to the citizens for not improving their lives.
In a speech on October 10 (Saturday) during celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of his ruling Workers’ Party, Kim thanked thousands of troops gathered for responding to the recent damaging storms and for helping prevent an outbreak. of coronavirus in the country. .
Dressed in a gray suit and tie, Kim choked and had to remove his glasses while thanking the troops, according to video aired on state television KRT on October 11.
In a video edited and posted by the state television station, Kim said he was thankful that not a single North Korean had been infected with the virus, a claim that US and South Korean officials had previously questioned. The impact of measures against the coronavirus, international sanctions and various typhoons combined to prevent the government from fulfilling its promises to improve the lives of citizens, Kim said.
“My efforts and sincerity have not been enough to free our people from the difficulties of their lives. Our people, however, have always believed and absolutely trusted me, and have supported my choice and determination, whatever it may be.”
In the video, in a scene common to many such events in North Korea, most of the people in the audience also had tears running down their faces. The North Korean people, in military uniforms and traditional Korean costumes, were listening to the nearly half-hour speech.
Kim made no direct mention of the United States or the now-stalled denuclearization talks. Kim blamed international sanctions, typhoons and the coronavirus for preventing him from fulfilling his promises of economic progress.
North Korea’s economy, already severely restricted by international sanctions imposed by its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, took a further blow when the country shut down nearly all border traffic in an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. The United Nations has said that up to 40 percent of the population is facing food shortages, which may have been exacerbated by the severe floods and typhoons of the summer.
with input from Reuters
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