On Monday, state media broadcasted scenes of leader Kim Jong Un appearing visibly upset as he paid his respects at the coffins of North Korean soldiers allegedly killed while aiding Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the footage from Korean Central Television illustrated Kim draping a North Korean flag over a coffin.

These visuals were shown during a cultural event at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater on Sunday, celebrating the first anniversary of North Korea’s “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement with Russia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears emotional while watching a performance during a cultural event in Pyongyang, as seen in footage aired by Korean Central Television on June 30. (Reuters)

Yonhap reported that other images in the broadcast included photos of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian troops, as well as a bloodstained notebook allegedly recovered from the battlefield in Russia’s Kursk region. 

The notebook reportedly contained a message that read, “The decisive moment has finally come,” and, “Let us bravely fight this sacred battle with the boundless love and trust bestowed upon us by our beloved Supreme Commander,” referring to Kim.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands during a joint North Korea-Russia cultural event in Pyongyang, in this image broadcast by state media and released June 30. (Reuters)