South Korea’s National Intelligence Service raised the possibility of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visiting Russia following North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 4.
The spy agency presented this analysis during a National Assembly Intelligence Committee meeting on November 20, which was convened to review the agency’s budget for the upcoming year. The report was relayed by Rep. Lee Sung-kwon of the People Power Party and Rep. Park Sun-won of the Democratic Party, who are leading members of the committee.
According to the agency, Minister Choe’s visit to Russia from October 28 to November 6 demonstrates the “unwavering ties” between Pyongyang and Moscow. The agency also noted that the meeting with President Putin likely involved “highly significant and sensitive discussions.”
The agency emphasized the unusual nature of the meeting, stating, “The initial response from President Putin was reportedly hesitant, but the meeting was arranged on November 4 after persistent efforts by North Korea, including an extension of Choe’s stay in Russia.”
The agency added, “The fact that the meeting took place on a weekend suggests that critical issues were discussed, and we are working to confirm the details.”
The agency concluded that the meeting was “unlikely to have been merely ceremonial” and speculated that “Kim Jong-un himself may visit Russia in the near future.”
BY JANG GU-SEUL [jang.guseul@joongang.co.kr]
