National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik confirmed a meeting with Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, despite earlier low expectations.
This marks the first meeting between a high-level South Korean official and Kim since the Moon Jae-in administration, sparking intense interest in their conversation.
In a written statement on Wednesday, the Speaker’s office revealed that Woo exchanged greetings with Chairman Kim before the military parade.
Both attended the 80th anniversary parade in Beijing commemorating China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and together climbed the Tiananmen Tower.
Chinese President Xi Jinping entered Tiananmen alongside Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On the tower, Kim sat to Xi’s left, with Putin on his right.
Woo was seated at the far right end near Xi.
Given the 30-40 meter (about 1,180-1,570 inch) distance between Kim and Woo, a direct meeting seemed unlikely.
Some speculated that an opportunity might arise at Xi’s post-parade reception.
The unexpected greeting before the ceremony has intensified interest in their discussion.
A spokesperson told News1 that they shook hands and talked, but the details will be revealed at tomorrow’s press briefing.
Woo had previously stated that he would relay President Lee Jae-myung’s message if he met Kim. At Incheon Airport on Tuesday, Woo mentioned that coordination with the presidential office regarding the China trip was underway.
He added that if he meets Kim, he wants to explore ways to expand peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Woo and Kim previously met at a dinner in Panmunjom in 2018.
At that time, Woo spoke about his North Korean family, and Kim pledged to help ease his pain.
At the reception, Woo met with Presidents Xi and Putin.
Woo invited Xi to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju this October, marking their second meeting.
Putin reportedly focused on issues concerning the Korean Peninsula.
He asked Woo about potential messages for Kim and his views on inter-Korean relations.
Woo expressed hope for peace and prosperity between the Koreas, emphasizing that establishing peace is important despite the challenges.
Woo also requested Putin’s support for the 130 South Korean companies operating in Russia.
On Thursday, Woo will meet with Zhao Leji, his Chinese counterpart, and later with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who oversees China’s economy, science, technology, and future industries.