Kim Jong-un appears to weep as he watches slide show of himself draping coffins of dead soldiers
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un appeared to weep while watching himself draping national flags over the coffins of what are believed to be North Korean soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
Photographs broadcast during a gala show Kim standing beside six coffins, covering each with the North Korean flag.
He was also seen pausing briefly with both hands resting on the caskets in a moment of apparent reflection.
Kim appeared emotional during the ceremony - at some points, he even seemed tearful. Members of the audience can also be seen wiping away tears.
North Korean and Russian soldiers were seen waving their flags with patriotic notes written on them.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the gala was praised for inspiring confidence in the 'ties of friendship and the genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries that were forged at the cost of blood.'
The event was attended by Russian's culture minister Olga Lyubimov, who was in the country to lead a delegation to mark the first anniversary of the strategic partnership treaty.
Kim Jong Un appeared tearful as he watched himself draping the coffins of North Korean solders who had been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war
Kim appeared in a solemn mood as he watched the performance at the gala
The leader was treated to a performance by Russian and North Korean artists to mark their strategic collaborations
The agreement marked a major shift in North Korea’s foreign policy, aligning itself even more closely with Moscow.
In exchange, Russia is believed to be providing North Korea with vital military technology, including assistance with missile guidance systems, satellite launches and air defence capabilities.
They admitted that Kim's soldiers were instrumental in reclaiming the Kursk region in western Russia.
Although the two countries claim the personnel are being sent in to help rebuild war-torn areas such, South Korea and Japan have slammed the deal.
Russia has denied any breach of international sanctions.
Despite the show of emotion, Kim is expected to send 6,000 more personnel to Russia later this summer
Russia's culture minister Olga Lyubimov was in attendance to mark the event
Kim and Putin have signed a deal, where Pyongyang supplies Russia with military personnel
