Kim Jong Un’s Emotional Praise For Troops, Apologies For Failures

Kim Jong Un, in video footage edited and released by the state television station, appeared tearful and at one point seemed to choke up.

Becoming visibly emotional during a speech at a military parade over the weekend, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un thanked troops for their sacrifices and apologised to citizens for failing to improve their lives.

On Saturday, in a speech during celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party, the North Korean dictator thanked thousands of gathered troops for responding to recent damaging storms, and for helping to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Kim Jong Un, in video footage edited and released by the state television station, appeared tearful and at one point seemed to choke up.

He was grateful that not a single North Korean had been infected with the virus, Kim said, a claim that U.S. and South Korean officials have previously cast doubts on.

He also stressed that the impact of anti-coronavirus measures, international sanctions, and several typhoons combined to prevent the government from following through on promises to improve citizens’ lives.

“My efforts and sincerity have not been sufficient enough to rid our people of the difficulties in their life,” Ki said, adding that “Our people, however, have always believed and absolutely trusted me, and supported my choice and determination, whatever it is.”

Already severely restricted by international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, North Korea’s economy took a further hit as the country shut down nearly all border traffic in an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

As per the United Nations, as much as 40 percent of the population faces food shortages, which may have been exacerbated by severe summer floods and typhoons.