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S.Korean National Assembly speaker to depart for Beijing; S.Korean media speculates he is likely to convey personal message from Lee Jae-myung to Kim Jong Un

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 02, 2025 12:42 PM

South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik is set to depart for Beijing on Tuesday to attend events on Wednesday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and hold a group interview in Beijing, multiple South Korean media reported on Tuesday.

At a press conference on August 28 on the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary, China's Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei announced a list of guests invited to participate, including Woo.

The visit coincides with a rare trip by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who also plans to attend the events on Wednesday, the Korea Herald said.

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has departed for China by a special train on September 1 to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration for the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the DPRK's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday, China Central Television reported.

Whether Woo will meet with the North Korean top leader has drawn considerable attention, the Yonhap News Agency said on Tuesday.

Analysts believe the two may encounter each other at venues such as the Tiananmen rostrum or a reception. If a meeting takes place, Woo is likely to convey a personal message from President Lee Jae-myung to Kim Jong Un, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

South Korean media Munhwa, citing analysts, point out that there is a low likelihood of meeting with Kim.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said that "we have prepared all the necessary materials for the Speaker in case such (inter-Korean contact) opportunities arise," but he added, "for now, the prospects are not very hopeful," according to the South Korean media The Chosun Ilbo.

South Korean media the Hankyoreh also called back the past interactions between Woo and Kim.

Woo previously met Kim on April 27, 2018, during the welcoming banquet at the Panmunjom Peace House following the inter-Korean summit, when Woo was the floor leader of the Democratic Party. Woo posted on Facebook at the time, saying, "Had a refreshing drink with Chairman Kim Jong-un," along with a photo of them facing each other, according to the Hankyoreh.

Park Ji-won, a Democratic Party lawmaker accompanying Woo on his China schedule, wrote on Facebook that while there is speculation the two could meet, Kim's movements are unpredictable, making the possibility of an encounter uncertain. Park added, "They might meet at a reception or other event, but even that is unknown," the Hankyoreh said.