North Korea`s Kim Jong Un chokes up, sheds tears during speech, issues rare apology over failures

In a rare display of emotion, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared tearful and at one point seemed to choke up during a speech at a military parade. A visibly emotional Kim thanked the troops for their sacrifices and apologised to citizens for failing to improve their lives.

At a speech on October 10 (Saturday) during celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party, Kim thanked thousands of gathered troops for responding to recent damaging storms, and for helping to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Dressed in a grey suit and tie, Kim choked up and had to remove his glasses as he thanked the troops, according to the video footage aired by the state-run television KRT on October 11. 

In video footage edited and released by the state television station, Kim said he was grateful that not a single North Korean had been infected with the virus, a claim that US 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.

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

In the video, in a scene common to many such events in North Korean, most people in the audience also had tears streaming down their faces. The North Korean people, in military uniforms and Korean traditional costumes, were listening to the nearly half an hour speech.

Kim made no direct mention of the United States or the now-stalled denuclearisation talks. Kim blamed international sanctions, typhoons, and the coronavirus for preventing him from delivering on promises of economic progress.

North Korea`s economy, already severely restricted by international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, took a further hit as the country shut down nearly all border traffic in an effort to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. The United Nations has said that as much as 40 per cent of the population faces food shortages, which may have been exacerbated by severe summer floods and typhoons.

with Reuters inputs