Kim Jong Un's rescue mission hits snag amidst North Korean floods

State media in North Korea showed Kim Jong Un leading a humanitarian aid operation in flood-stricken areas. The inflatable boat that the dictator was on hit a tree at one point.

North Korea is grappling with a massive flood that has destroyed thousands of homes and caused extensive damage to agricultural land. Pyongyang refuses international aid and does not allow humanitarian assistance to be provided in the country.

North Korean state media released a video of Kim Jong Un supervising the rescue operation in the flood-affected areas. In the footage, we see Kim, with the help of bystanders, taking his place in the inflatable boat as it travels through the flooded areas.

During this expedition, an incident occurred. At one point, the boat collided with a tree. The dictator's hairstyle was affected, but he continued his "mission" undeterred.

North Korean state media did not disclose details regarding the casualties and material damages caused by the recent heavy rains.

Meanwhile, the South Korean agency Yonhap reported that the dictator had strongly criticized his officials for failing to prevent the disaster's effects, even though he had personally ordered measures to handle natural disasters.

South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Koo Byong Sam noted that the North Korean media's report, which typically does not cover disasters, aims to present Kim Jong Un as a leader who cares about the people and emphasizes the country's systemic crisis management capabilities.