North Korea's Kim honours presumed war dead from Russia-Ukraine conflict
Footage showing soldiers waving North Korean and Russian flags is seen at the gala performance. Photo: KCNA/EPA
The scene followed images of North Korean and Russian soldiers waving their national flags with patriotic notes written in Korean. Kim is seen at the gala, seemingly overcome with emotion, and audience members wiping away tears.
North Korea's state-owned KRT television aired the performance, which was attended by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova who is leading a delegation to mark the first anniversary of the two countries' strategic partnership treaty as Kim's guest.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks to Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova (left) at the event in East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. Photo: KCNA via KNS / AFP
The performance was enthusiastically received 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 official KCNA news agency said.
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