Content of Roh and Kim’s Conversation Released

President Roh had two rounds of dialogue with Kim Jong Il in the morning and afternoon yesterday in his second day at Pyongyang, State Guest House where the president is staying for the inter-Korean summit. Roh waited for North Korean leader Kim Jong Il near the entrance of his hotel at around 9:27 in the morning and said with a big smile, “Good morning,” which was reciprocated by Kim who said with a smile, “Did you have a good night?”

Kim seemed to be in an upbeat mode compared to the day before when he officially welcomed the South Korean president at the 4.25 Cultural Center. They talked about Roh’s first night in Pyongyang, walking across the border, and the extent of flood damage to the North while they moved to State Guest House for their summit meeting.

Kim nodded in agreement or used hand gestures during the dialogue and displayed friendship by walking close to Roh while talking. After having lunch with the South Korean delegation to North Korea at Okryugwan, Pyongyang, Kim asked Roh about his lunch and Roh responded with a smile.

Roh displayed friendly gestures by gently pulling the left arm of the North Korean leader while talking to each other. The second round of talks started at around 2:45 p.m. and lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Unlike the first inter-Korean summit in 2002, the South Korean press corps was denied access to the summit venue. Four minutes of small talk by the two leaders before the summit was publicized.

The following is an abbreviated transcript of the talk between the two based on what Cheon Ho-seon, the South Korean presidential spokesperson, and Cheong Wa Dae released yesterday.

Excerpt from morning dialogue –

Kim: Did you have a good night?

Roh: Yes I did. The hotel is excellent.

Kim: Former President Kim Dae-jung also stayed here. (Looking at the big picture on the wall) Due to the flood, we had to inevitably postpone the summit…(He kept talking inaudibly)

Roh: Everything seems to have gotten back to normal.

Kim: The roads are still a little bumpy. (After sitting at the summit table) Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung arrived here by air but you came here by crossing the border, which is very meaningful.

Roh: I was overwhelmed myself. The roads were not bumpy. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Pyongyang for giving me and my entourage a warm welcome yesterday. Your personal welcome, in particular, is greatly appreciated.

Kim: (Looking back and forth the president and Kim Yang Gon, the director of Workers’ Party’s Unification Front Department) Do not mention it. I shouldn’t stay at home when you have come.

Excerpt from afternoon dialogue –

Kim: (Shaking hands after walking down the corridor of State Guest House) Did you get some rest?

Roh: Yes, I did.

Kim: Did you enjoy your lunch?

Roh: Yes, it was delicious.

Kim: I was told that you ate cold noodles at Okryugwan. Tell me, which are more tasty, the noodles of Pyongyang or Seoul.

Roh: Noodles here have a richer taste to them.

Kim: (Before the summit) It is my understanding that it may rain today. Before we leave, a luncheon that will take about an hour and thirty minutes is scheduled. (After checking with Kim Yang Gon who was flanked by Kim a few times) Why don’t postpone your today’s itinerary for tomorrow so we can take our time to have lunch? Please stay one more day. What do you think about having today’s planned talks tomorrow and leaving the day after tomorrow?

Roh: I think I first need to check with those that have stronger power than me, my security and

protocol office.

Kim: (Kim Yang Gon explained to Kim about what Roh meant) The president cannot call the shots?

You can just tell them what you want.

Roh: I call the shots if the issues concerned are serious, but when it comes to little things, I need to consult with others.

ysh1005@donga.com