7 Funny Moments You Missed From The Kim Jong Un Putin Summit 2023

The latest meeting between two of the world's most powerful dictators had its fair share of amusing moments. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rolled slowly into eastern Russia on his famous bulletproof train. So heavy, it has a top speed of 37 miles per hour. Some might have noticed Kim's translator looking a little sheepish as he emerged onto the platform, and who can blame him? The last time Kim arrived in Russia, a different translator almost missed his cue, sprinting to catch up before his boss realized. This time around, the aid was on his toes, rushing around the great leader's car to make sure he was ready for the first exchange with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As it happened, the dictators let their bodies do the talking, holding onto a handshake for an astonishing 40 seconds. What a new record. In 2019, they only lasted 33 seconds. Kim Jong-un is a famously large man, reportedly weighing around 140 kilograms. Perhaps it's no surprise then that North Korean aides spent a long time agonizing over the robustness of a chair their boss was due to sit on for a press conference. Luckily for all involved, the chair held. Donald Trump once famously tried to show Kim Jong-un the inside of the beast, the US presidential car, before secret service agents realized that was a security nightmare. But Putin went one better, inviting Kim to sit with him in his limousine, clearly proving himself to be the more gracious host. Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, is undoubtedly one of the most powerful officials in North Korea. And yet, you couldn't help but think she was keeping an eye on her brother's handwriting as he signed a guestbook as a Russian cosmodrome. And finally, we've all been there, asked to stand up and read aloud in front of a room full of peers. Kim Jong-un couldn't finish his prepared speech quickly enough, addressing Russian officials on the Ukraine war as a formal dinner. The North Korean leader now has a packed programme of events, visiting another two Russian cities. We're sure the trip will continue to be eventful.