September 4, 2025 | 10:44 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, Woo Won Sik, met with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un in China on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. As reported by South Korean media Naver, this meeting marks the first time a high-ranking South Korean official has met with Kim Jong Un since the Moon Jae In administration.
However, it is unknown what they discussed.
The Office of the National Assembly Speaker announced in a written address, "Speaker Woo exchanged greetings with Chairman Kim before attending the military parade."
They attended the military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Beijing, China, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and climbed the Tiananmen Gate together.
Chinese President Xi Jinping entered Tiananmen Square alongside leaders from other countries, including Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On the stage, Kim sat to the left of President Xi, and President Putin to his right.
Meanwhile, Speaker Woo sat at the end of the line to the right of President Xi.
Given the distance between Kim and Woo, about 30-40 meters, a meeting was considered impossible.
Therefore, speculation arose that an opportunity might arise at a reception hosted by President Xi after the military parade.
Nevertheless, it has been revealed that they exchanged greetings before the ceremony.
In a phone call with News 1, an official from the Office of the South Korean National Assembly Speaker stated, "The two shook hands. We did have a conversation, but we will reveal the details at a press conference tomorrow (the 4th)."
Speaker Woo stated that if he met Kim Jong Un, he would deliver a message from President Lee Jae Myung.
Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday, Speaker Woo stated, "There was communication with the Blue House during the decision-making process for my visit to China."
He added, "If I were to meet General Secretary Kim, I would likely discuss ways to expand peace on the Korean Peninsula, as these are likely common interests."
Speaker Woo and Kim are acquainted. They previously met at a welcome reception held at the Peace House in Panmunjom in April 2018.
At that time, Speaker Woo told Kim about his family in North Korea, to which he reportedly replied, "I will do my best to ease their pain."
Woo also met with President Xi and President Putin at the reception.
According to the Office of the National Assembly Speaker, Woo invited President Xi to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju at the end of October. This marks their second meeting.
Meanwhile, President Putin reportedly focused his questions on the Korean Peninsula.
According to the Office of the National Assembly Speaker, President Putin asked Woo, "What message would you like to convey to General Secretary Kim during the North Korea-Russia summit?" and "What is your view on inter-Korean relations?"
Woo responded, "I hope that the two Koreas will usher in an era of peace and prosperity," adding, "Despite many difficult circumstances, establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula is crucial now, and I will work toward that end," as reported by the Office of the National Assembly Speaker.
Woo also asked President Putin to pay attention to the 130 Korean companies operating in Russia.
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