Kim Jong-un tries to present himself as the leader of a "normal state”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook pose for a commemorative photograph with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and first lady Ri Sol-ju at Mount Baekdu on Sept. 20. (photo pool)

Level of hospitality and attention NK gave to Moon unprecedented

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un focused on presenting himself as the leader of a “normal state” during the recent inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang on Sept. 18–20, observers are concluding.

By showing the sincerity of his trust in South Korean President Moon Jae-in as a “mediator” for North Korea-US dialogue and his commitment to denuclearization, the North Korean leader revealed his intent to resume dialogue with Washington.

From the time he greeted Moon and the South Korean first lady at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport on the summit’s first day to the moment he saw them off at Mount Baekdu’s Samjiyon Airport on the final day, Kim remained with the South Korean leader and extended him deep courtesy for the majority of the three-day visit.

Moon was the first visiting foreign head of state that Kim had ever gone to the airport to greet. The two also passed through central Pyongyang together in a motorcade on the way from the airport to Moon’s lodgings at the Paekhwawon Guest House, with Kim extending consideration by allowing the South Korean leader to take the seat of honor on the vehicle’s back passenger side.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talk along the shores of Cheonji (Heaven Lake) on top of Mount Baekdu. (photo pool)

Kim and Moon shared 4 out of 7 meals together

Kim’s respectful treatment of Moon included joining him for four out of seven meals, including an unscheduled surprise appearance at his dinner on the second evening. He further offered Moon an opportunity to speak before Pyongyang residents – making him the first-ever South Korean President to deliver an address in North Korea. Kim personally introduced Moon to the audience, drawing cheers from the crowd.

“At this moment today, history will extend onto a marvelous canvas. Let all of us give our enthusiastic applause and passionate cheers for President Moon Jae-in,” he said by way of introduction. He expressed his trust in the South Korean president in other remarks as well, declaring at the first night’s dinner that the two sides’ “steps toward ushering in a new future will be faster now with the trust I have established with President Moon Jae-in” and mentioning at the Joint Declaration announcement on the second day that the two of them had “held serious heart-to-heart discussions.”

Koh Yu-hwan, a professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University, said the North Korean leader “appears to be acknowledging and expressing gratitude for President Moon’s role as a mediator in the process of North Korea-US denuclearization talks.”

President Moon is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump and share Kim’s message during a UN General Assembly session on Sept. 24. By expressing his trust in President Moon beforehand, Kim also appeared to be sending an indirect message to Trump asking him to trust in the South Korean President’s explanation of the situation.

Kim directly refers to denuclearization in public for first time

During the announcement of the two leaders’ “September Pyongyang Joint Declaration,” Kim said he had “made a firm commitment to continue working actively to make the Korean Peninsula into a land of peace without nuclear weapons or a nuclear threat.”

It was the first time Kim had referred to denuclearization publicly in his own voice. Experts saw his use of “firm commitment” as being meant to stress to commitment to denuclearization. Some also viewed it as a direct message to Trump.

“In promising to pay a return visit to Seoul, Chairman Kim presented the image of someone who ‘keeps his promises,’” said University of North Korea Studies professor Yang Moo-jin.

“He may have been using President Moon as a mediator to express frank thoughts that would not be able to say publicly [with the current deadlock in North Korea-US dialogue],” Yang suggested, adding that Kim had “achieved his goal for this summit.”

While presenting himself in a candid but dignified manner, Kim focused on sharing his own form of leadership with the rest of the world. Personally guiding Moon and first lady through the interior of the guest house, he said, “It is a bit humble compared to developed countries, but we have made the most earnest efforts and hope that you will appreciate the thought.”

At the same time, he also emphasized North Korea’s development as motorcade took the leaders through Ryomyong Avenue, which represents the “rich part” of Pyongyang.

Kim also extended friendly treatment to other members of the South Korean entourage. During the Mount Baekdu hike on Sept. 20, he proposed taking a commemorative photograph.

“This is the best place to see the earth and sky. Why don’t we all take a picture together?” he suggested.

“The South Korean delegation members have been taking pictures for the President, haven’t they? Why don’t I take one?” he added in a gesture of affability.

“Oh, really, we couldn’t ask for such a thing,” the South Korean delegation members replied, gently declining the offer.

For an artistic performance at Pyongyang Grand Theatre at 6:30 pm following the two leaders’ summit on the first afternoon of the visit, Kim arrived ahead of time to wait for Moon and the first lady.

When a slight delay occurred in the schedule, Kim told the entourage members, “Things are running a bit late, but I suppose that means you can watch it longer. It won’t be that bad.” The height of Kim’s cordial reception came when he presented Moon with two tons of North Korean pine mushrooms on his return to the South – a gesture that could also be seen as intended to combat hostile feelings toward North Korea among the South Korean public.

“Chairman Kim Jong-un occupies the highest position in North Korea, but with this summit he presented himself before the people of Pyongyang and the rest of the world as a down-to-earth political leader,” said Koh Yu-hwan.

By Lee Kyung-mi, staff reporter

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