My Observations of the InterKorean Summit 2018

 These notes are just personal observations which may be of some value [or may not].  They are not meant to be political in nature but little details that caught my eye.

• Kim Jong Un’s usual bodyguard who had his back during Dennis Rodman’s trips to Pyongyang was not there.  That individual had been Kim Jong Il’s bodyguard as well.  All the bodyguards appeared to be much younger than previous crew.  Presumably, as he has gotten older he’s probably training new generation of bodyguards at KPA Unit 963 

•   Kim Yong Un invited Moon Jae In to cross into the north – unscripted.  Very nice gesture.  Symbolism counts

•  Kim Yong Chol twice got confused as to where to go when Kim Jong Un was walking towards Moon Jae In.  Kim Yo Jong also got called over once from where she was following her brother

• At all times, Kim Yo Jong walked near her brother, and she handed all documents and things, such as gloves, pens, water pitcher to Kim Jong Un.  Did not observe anyone else doing so. Mother-Hen sister as well as trusted comrade.  Noted that Kim Yo Jong had some type of cell phone or recorder which she placed on the table as Kim Jong Un was delivering his opening remarks.  At some point thereafter, she began to take notes, though I could not tell if she was taking notes on the electronic device or some other notebook.  She did not take notes during Moon Jae In’s opening remarks.

• Kim Jong Un is a heavy smoker.  Did not observe him light one at all.  He was probably going bonkers at times.

• Kim Jong Un has a good sense of humor and cracked a lot of jokes

• Pictures and videos of Kim Jong Un always show him talking and everyone else listening.  During his one-on-one talk in the park with Moon Jae In, it was interesting to observe Kim Jong Un listening to Moon.  Kim would nod in apparent agreement, at times he gazed to the side or downwards in thoughtful contemplation of the merits of what Moon Jae In was saying.  He gave the impression of being a good listener

• Li Sol Ju did not stand as close to Kim Jong Un as Kim Jong Suk stood to her husband, Moon Jae In.  Wonder if she was pissed off at Kim for not having made the initial trip earlier in the day

•  New heavyweights:  Kim Yo Jong and Kim Jong Chol.  Missing and presumably out of favor:  Hwang Pyong So and Choe Ryong Hae