A Former Diplomat Described How Kim Jong-un Behaves Behind Closed Doors
5- 25.10.2026, 20:21
The slightest mistake could have had fatal consequences.
Former North Korean diplomat Ri Il-gyu, who had the opportunity to meet with the country’s leader Kim Jong-un in person seven times, shared rare insights into what it was like to interact with the head of state behind closed doors. According to him, behind the facade of state propaganda—which portrays him as a nearly divine ruler—lies a real person; however, the absolute concentration of power turns any minor misstep by subordinates into a deadly threat.
This is reported by Express.
The diplomat shared his impressions in a video interview posted on YouTube as part of a collaboration with Dimple Video and The NK Guys. In November 2018, Lee Il-gyu oversaw the visit of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to Pyongyang, during which official talks, a gala banquet, and a large-scale performance at a stadium. His direct conversations with Kim Jong-un consisted of brief answers to the leader’s follow-up questions about the delegation’s composition, dietary preferences, and Cuba’s demographic characteristics.
The first meeting in the airport’s government lounge was accompanied by intense stress, causing the diplomat to physically feel a tremor in his own voice. The realization of the immense responsibility helped him quickly pull himself together, as even the slightest professional mistake could have fatal consequences. Lee Il-gyu described the experience as a complex interplay between the human side of a leader—capable of a smile and showing consideration—and the eerie atmosphere of absolute fear stemming from his unlimited authority.
Particularly telling was the incident involving an elderly interpreter who carelessly interrupted Kim Jong-un during a conversation, triggering an immediate outburst of anger. The enraged leader called the employee insolent and suspended him from work, even stripping him of the right to approach government facilities. Those around him were convinced that the man who had slipped up was doomed, but the intercession of an influential relative from the relevant department saved his life. Instead of execution, the interpreter was sentenced to a week-long series of grueling ideological criticism sessions, during which he was required to write a written confession of his offense.
Such incidents are explained by strict security requirements: every person admitted to an audience undergoes a month of preliminary training. The rules prohibit making unnecessary movements, fidgeting, swaying, showing fear, or maintaining direct eye contact with the leader. It is forbidden to be the first to speak, and any responses must be as brief and precise as possible, without attempting to demonstrate a knowledge that does not exist. Every move made by the meeting participants is recorded by secretaries, ostensibly for the revolutionary chronicle, and any attempts at inappropriate flattery or feigned enthusiasm are strictly suppressed.
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