Woo Won Shik, National Assembly Speaker, remarked that it had been seven years since they last met and that it was nice to see Kim again. Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, replied that it was also nice to see him.
On Thursday, Woo, representing the South Korean government, held a press briefing in Beijing after attending the 80th-anniversary celebrations of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (World War II). He recounted his brief exchange with Kim from the previous day.
Woo first met Kim during the inter-Korean summit on April 27, 2018, when he served as the floor leader of the Democratic Party. During a recent military parade, Woo encountered Kim in the reception area of Tiananmen Square. He approached Kim, extended his hand for a handshake, and remarked that it had been seven years since they last met and that it was nice to see him again. Kim reportedly replied that it was also nice to see him.
The reception area hosted around 50 attendees, including leaders from 26 countries participating in the parade and various national delegations. Woo stated that, given the circumstances of the meeting, they had concluded with only a brief greeting.
He added that although there had been communication with the presidential office, he was not visiting as a special envoy and therefore did not bring any messages. Since the encounter was brief, he explained, it was difficult to engage in further discussion.
Woo also mentioned that there were no separate conversations with Kim or other North Korean officials during the reception that followed the parade.
Additionally, Woo discussed inter-Korean relations and the interests of South Korean businesses in Russia during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the reception.
He told Putin that the new administration placed great importance on practical diplomacy and was keen to support the activities of more than 130 South Korean companies still operating in Russia. Putin responded that he would take an interest in the matter.
Following that, Putin inquired about Woo’s thoughts on inter-Korean relations. Woo replied that maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula was closely linked to global peace and had a significant impact on the safety of South Korean citizens. He expressed his hope that Putin would take an interest in fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.
In response, Putin mentioned his upcoming meeting with Kim and asked what message would be appropriate to convey. Woo replied that he believed the new administration needed to usher in an era of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and that he would appreciate it if Putin could relay their efforts to create this atmosphere.
Woo specifically referenced the UNESCO General Conference scheduled for next year, noting that it would be helpful if Putin could mention that UNESCO members hoped to visit Mount Kumgang and travel to Wonsan Galma. Putin acknowledged this before they concluded their conversation.
When asked about his feelings after meeting Kim, Woo reflected that the situation was different from seven years ago and had become more challenging. He observed that there were many obstacles and difficulties on the ground, which reinforced his belief in the importance of fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.
