KIM Jong-un wept as he watched himself back draping flags over the coffins of North Korean troops he sent to die on Putin’s front-line in Ukraine.

Around 12,000 North Koreans were shipped over to fight for Russia – but they were ill-prepared for the battlefield and many were decimated.

Kim hosted a ceremony which remembered the soldiers taken out by Zelensky’s brave army – and things got emotional for the tyrant.

Thousands of North Koreans stood to attention in the vast auditorium, with Kim in the front row.

Images of Kim draping the North Korean flag over soldiers’ coffins were broadcast on a giant screen at the front while a huge orchestra played emotional music.

Women in long dresses sang passionately and there was even a harp player stationed on the stage.

Kim draped flags over at least six coffins, and could be seen resting his hands on them in reflection.

Watching the scenes back, the dictator’s eyes shone with emotion.

Other members of the audience – which reportedly included North Korean and Russian soldiers – were also visibly moved.

The state-run Korea Central News Agency hailed the gala for reaffirming 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 Russia’s culture minster Olga Lyubimov, who was visiting the Hermit Kingdom to mark the first anniversary of the strategic partnership treaty.

Signed last June by Putin and Kim, it included a mutual defence pact – guaranteeing they will protect one another.

The treaty is believed to have majorly ramped up co-operation between the nations.

Moscow is understood to be providing Pyongyang with vital military technology – including blueprints for missile guidance systems and air defence weapons.

And after months of speculation, the leaders finally admitted that North Korean troops had fought for Russia.

Kim’s men were first reported to be in Russia back in October, and the following month there was strong evidence of them on the battlefield.

They fought alongside Putin’s men mainly in the Kursk region – an area of Russia which Ukraine took in a surprise incursion.

Thousands of the North Koreans died, with analysts suggesting they were not prepared for the modern style of drone warfare.

However, it was admitted that the Korean soldiers were ultimately instrumental in Russia winning back the land in March this year.

As the rotten partnership blooms, North Korea is expected to send another 6,000 troops over to Russia later this summer.

The military assistance has been slammed by concerned nations, including South Korea and Japan.

Officials in Seoul have raised concerns that it violates UN sanctions on North Korea.