Seoul: North Korea has once again demonstrated its culture of extreme secrecy after leader Kim Jong Un’s high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. According to reports, Kim’s aides meticulously wiped down every surface and object he came into contact with, leaving no trace of his presence once the summit concluded.
Witnesses observed staff members scrubbing chairs, tables, glasses, and even doorknobs that Kim may have touched. Such measures, though unusual to outsiders, are not unprecedented for Pyongyang. Analysts say the practice reflects deep-rooted fears of foreign intelligence agencies collecting forensic material from fingerprints to DNA that could be used to study Kim’s health or track his movements.
The Beijing encounter itself was a rare diplomatic moment, bringing together two leaders who share a growing strategic partnership against Western powers. Yet, the way North Korea handled Kim’s post-meeting environment underscores how seriously Pyongyang treats the issue of security around its leader. The cleaning ritual appeared almost ceremonial, symbolizing not only secrecy but also the untouchable status of Kim within his regime.
Experts note that North Korea has long cultivated an aura of mystery around its leadership, portraying Kim as both revered and beyond ordinary scrutiny. Removing physical traces after official events, they argue, reinforces this image while also serving practical counter-intelligence purposes. It reflects a blend of political theatre and genuine security paranoia that has become a hallmark of Kim’s rule.
For Beijing and Moscow, the optics of the Putin–Kim meeting were powerful, signaling a closer axis of cooperation amid strained ties with the West. For Pyongyang, however, the emphasis extended beyond diplomacy it was equally about ensuring that not even a microscopic clue about Kim’s condition or vulnerabilities would remain behind.