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Following Kim Jong Un’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, North Korean staff were observed meticulously disinfecting all surfaces touched by Kim—an indication of strict security measures aimed at preventing foreign espionage.
Despite the growing camaraderie between Kim and Putin, footage revealed North Korea’s extraordinary efforts to hide any signs related to Kim’s health.
Kremlin reporter Alexander Yunashev shared a video on Telegram showing two North Korean aides carefully cleaning the room in Beijing where Kim and Putin spent over two hours together.
Details such as Kim’s chair’s backrest and armrests, as well as the coffee table nearby, were scrubbed thoroughly. Kim’s drinking glass was also taken away.
“Once negotiations concluded, Kim’s staff diligently erased all traces of his presence,” Yunashev explained, referring to North Korea.
After their discussions, Kim and Putin proceeded to share tea and exchanged warm farewells.
These procedures follow established protocols dating back to Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, according to Michael Madden, a North Korea specialist with the U.S.-based Stimson Center.
“Special toilets and designated trash bags are used to ensure even the tiniest remnants, like hair, skin tags, or cigarette butts, don’t reveal any health secrets,” Madden explained.
In 2019, during a Hanoi summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Kim’s security team was seen sealing his hotel room for hours, removing items including a mattress.
Kim’s team has also been spotted sanitizing and cleaning items before his use. For example, during his 2018 encounter with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, handlers disinfected his chair and desk before he sat down.
Similarly, prior to a 2023 summit with Putin, Kim’s security team disinfected his chair and performed a thorough check using a metal detector, footage shows.
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