Kim Jong Un Shakes Hands with South Korea's Speaker in Historic Meeting

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shook hands with South Korea"s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik in Beijing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. This historic meeting occurred before a military parade commemorating Japan"s formal surrender in World War Two, according to a statement from Woo"s office.

The handshake marks a significant moment in inter-Korean relations, as Woo represented South Korea at the event celebrating the 80th anniversary of Japan"s capitulation in 1945. This gesture has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and reflects the complex diplomatic landscape in East Asia.

Previously, the two Koreas have experienced fluctuating relations, with numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing military tensions and fostering dialogue. This handshake is seen as a potential opening for further discussions between the North and South, which have remained technically at war since the Korean War ended in 1953.

As regional dynamics shift, the implications of this meeting could influence future negotiations involving both Koreas, as well as their respective allies. Observers will be watching closely for any follow-up talks or initiatives that might arise from this encounter, especially in light of recent developments in international relations.