Experts say the emotional speech was designed to resonate with citizens and cement Kim's image as a competent, charismatic leader with a human side.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took centre stage at a massive military parade and public rally in Pyongyang early Saturday marking the 75th anniversary of the country's ruling party.

Addressing the U.N. General Assembly, the country's ambassador said the "anti-epidemic situation in our country is now under safe and stable control" as a result of measures taken to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.