"23 Degrees" vs "20 Degrees"... Delegates Squabble Over Air Conditioning as North Korea-Russia Leaders Meet

Delegation Tensions Flare Over Air Conditioner Settings Before Summit
North Korean and Russian Staff Clash Over Meeting Room Temperature in Beijing

During the bilateral meeting between North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, China, tensions arose between the delegations over the air conditioner temperature.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Beijing, China. Kremlin website, Russian state-owned RIA Novosti news agency

According to Russian media outlet Kommersant on September 3 (local time), President Putin held a meeting with Chairman Kim at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

The report stated that the Russian Embassy in China was initially considered as the meeting venue, but the location was changed at the last minute when the national flag at the site was switched to the North Korean flag. The outlet noted, "Only two chairs were prepared, suggesting a one-on-one meeting without any accompanying staff from either side."

North Korean journalists were also present in the meeting room. The North Korean press corps took a firm stance to secure their reporting space, while only a handful of Russian journalists attended. A Kommersant reporter covering the scene remarked, "When it comes to their beloved leader (Kim Jong Un), they disregard laws and rules. Everyone else is treated as a 'bad person.'"

Before the meeting, there was a dispute over the air conditioner temperature between the security and support staff of both countries. A North Korean official tried to set the temperature to 23 degrees Celsius using the remote control, but the Russian side insisted that it be maintained at 20 degrees Celsius. The outlet reported, "The two sides wrestled over the remote, refusing to let go, but eventually the Russian delegation took control and settled the situation."

Soon after, the two leaders arrived at the meeting room, and only a select group of journalists were allowed to cover the event on site. The overall atmosphere of the meeting was reportedly amicable.

President Putin stated, "China's Victory Day celebrations were splendid," and added, "The relationship between Russia and North Korea has become special and allied in nature." He specifically mentioned the participation of North Korean special forces in the liberation operation in Russia's Kursk region, emphasizing, "We will never forget the sacrifice and courage of North Korean soldiers."

In response, Chairman Kim said, "Since the agreement signed in June last year, relations between our two countries have developed in every aspect," and added, "We are fulfilling our fraternal duties with Russia and will assist whenever necessary." He continued, "I am especially grateful to President Putin for repeatedly praising the achievements of North Korean soldiers, and we will continue to regard supporting Russia as our duty."