SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un became visibly emotional during a speech at a military parade over the weekend as he thanked troops for their sacrifices and apologised to citizens for failing to improve their lives. In video footage edited and released by the state television station, Kim appeared tearful and at one point seemed to choke up. Kim said he was grateful that not a single North Korean had been infected with the virus, a claim that U.S. and South Korean officials have previously cast doubts on. 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, Kim said. In a scene common to many such events in North Korean, most people in the audience also had tears streaming down their faces.

Source: The Star October 12, 2020 13:41 UTC