The Unseen Power of Vulnerability: What North Korea’s Leader’s Tears Teach Us About Parenthood and Resilience

Have you ever been caught off guard by a display of raw emotion in the most unexpected place?

Recently, the world witnessed a stirring moment — North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, was shown on state media visibly moved and crying over a soldier’s coffin draped in the national flag (watch here). This image is more than just a fleeting news snippet; it’s a profound reminder that beneath even the toughest facades lies a shared human experience — vulnerability.

Why does this moment resonate so deeply?

Because it challenges the common belief that strength means hiding our feelings. Instead, true strength often lies in showing our emotions, in embracing vulnerability, and in allowing ourselves to be human — something that every parent, especially those on a challenging fertility journey, knows all too well.

Parenthood and Vulnerability: An Unspoken Connection

Building a family, whether naturally or through assisted technologies, demands courage, hope, and yes — vulnerability. Many aspiring parents wrestle silently with fears, disappointments, and setbacks. The raw emotions involved can feel isolating. But just like Kim Jong Un’s rare emotional moment, showing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a powerful affirmation of our shared humanity.

So, how can embracing vulnerability empower you on your path to parenthood?

  • Acknowledging The Struggles: Fertility challenges can be taxing mentally and physically. Accepting your feelings openly can relieve emotional burdens.
  • Building Resilience: Every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger, and vulnerability allows you to learn and adapt authentically.
  • Fostering Connection: Sharing your journey with others creates a community of support — you’re never truly alone.

Technology Meets Emotional Strength

In today’s world, technology is not just a tool for biological conception but a beacon of hope and control for hopeful parents. Companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing how people connect with their dreams of becoming parents by offering discreet, cost-effective at-home insemination kits crafted for various unique needs.

Whether it’s their CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility, or the BabyMaker that supports users with sensitivities, MakeAMom provides individuals and couples with the empowerment to take charge of their fertility journey from the comfort and privacy of home. These innovations complement the emotional bravery necessary to keep moving forward.

Facing the Emotional Highs and Lows

Anyone navigating fertility knows the emotional rollercoaster well — hope sparkles, then nerves take over, and sometimes results disappoint. This emotional landscape demands mental health care as deliberate as the physical treatments you pursue.

Here are a few ways to nurture your emotional resilience:

  • Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay connected with your feelings without judgment.
  • Seek professional counseling or fertility support groups that understand what you’re going through.
  • Use technology wisely to track progress and inform decisions, reducing guesswork that breeds anxiety.

The Takeaway: Vulnerability is Strength, Not Weakness

The image of a world leader grieving openly should remind us all of a vital truth — vulnerability opens doors to connection, healing, and ultimately, hope. For anyone dreaming of parenthood, that hope can be the light leading you through the darkest moments.

As you embark on or continue your family-building journey, remember that embracing your emotions, leaning on innovative technologies, and seeking supportive communities are the game-changing steps toward turning hope into reality.

If you’re curious about practical tools designed with your unique fertility needs in mind, explore how modern solutions like MakeAMom’s kits can support your personal path.

What does vulnerability mean to you in your journey? Share your thoughts below — your story might just inspire someone else to find strength in openness.


Inspired by the powerful and unexpected moment caught on camera, this post reflects on the unseen strength we all hold within. For the full news story and video of Kim Jong Un’s emotional display, visit ABC News.