NEW DELHI: In his most recent gaffe, President Joe Biden of the United States mistakenly referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the president of South Korea.
The blunder by the world leader happened when Biden focused on ex-President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Portola Valley, California. The Democratic candidate criticized his Republican opponent for his strong connections with the North Korean leader and Russian President Putin.
"We’ll never forget his love letters for the South Korean President Kim Jong Un or his admiration for Putin — what a great leader Putin is," Biden said, as per a White House transcript of his remarks at the reception.
Biden is famous for making gaffes when it comes to identifying the world leaders.
Last year, Biden hosted a lavish state dinner at the White House for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. In 2022, Biden mispronounced Yoon's name and referred to him as "President Moon' during a trip to South Korea. It is worth noting that President Moon Jae-in was Yoon's predecessor.
Last year, Biden had difficulty pronouncing the names of past and current presidents from Mexico, Egypt, France, Germany, and Ukraine. He even called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "Vladimir' during a NATO Summit last July.
In February, the 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief mistakenly mixed up Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The blunder was made during a press conference in which he was trying to defend himself against assertions made by former special counsel Robert Hur that he had a “poor memory.”
Biden has made multiple verbal mistakes since he started his term, leading to worries about his mental well-being as he aims for reelection.
If Biden is re-elected in November, he will be 86 years old by the end of his second term.
Reacting to his latest gaffe, one X user wrote: “North Korea, South Korea, what's the difference...”
“His mind is decaying faster than roadkill,” another blasted Biden.
A third user reacted, saying “But sure, he’s totally fit for 4 more years”.
“Biden is making too many mistakes to be a President anymore,” one more chimed in.
“He’s also the King of Mexico,” a fifth user quipped.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less