In a surreal display of hyper-controlled diplomacy, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s aides were caught on camera meticulously erasing every trace of his presence following a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The footage, now viral, has sparked global speculation about the extreme security protocols employed by Pyongyang to protect its leader’s biological footprint.
Forensic Clean-Up Caught on Camera
Precaution or Paranoia?
The rationale behind Kim’s forensic-level precautions remains speculative. Analysts suggest it could stem from distrust toward Russia’s intelligence services or anxiety about China’s surveillance capabilities. But Kim is not alone in such practices—President Vladimir Putin is known to have bodyguards collect his bodily waste during international trips to prevent adversaries from analyzing his health.
Diplomatic Undertones
Despite the dramatic clean-up, the meeting reportedly ended cordially. Kim pledged “fraternal obligation” to support Russia, while Putin thanked North Korea for deploying troops to Ukraine—an alliance cemented by their 2024 mutual defense pact.
The summit, held on the sidelines of China’s Victory Day parade, marked Kim’s first overseas visit since the pandemic and his first joint appearance with both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Geopolitical Implications
This episode underscores the growing intimacy between Pyongyang and Moscow, united by sanctions defiance and military cooperation. It also highlights the lengths to which authoritarian leaders go to protect their personal security—even at the cost of appearing paranoid.
For observers, the spectacle is a reminder of the opaque and tightly controlled nature of diplomacy in regimes where symbolism, secrecy, and surveillance converge.
