Press members share special moments and highlights of the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit
- 6 years ago
Over three-thousand members of the press from around the world were in South Korea to cover the summit.
Our Lee Ji-won talked to some of them at the Media Press Center, set up specially for this occasion, about their most memorable moments.
The pressure and work-related stress was palpable in the summit press center,... but there was also laughter and overwhelming emotions.
"It was a mixed atmosphere. I noticed that everybody is busy and exhausted in someway but still everyone is excited to witness this historic event in a way."
Other than the actual summit talks, the two leaders did a lot of activities together,... and even surprised many with off the script gestures.
"I think everyone would agree that the first moment they met was the most impressive. It's the first time a North Korean leader crossed the border since the Korean War,... AND on top of their unprecedented meeting, President Moon stepped on to the North's soil simply after a quick chat with Kim Jong-un. That shows how close and near the two Koreas actually are."
"When they walked on that bridge and sat down, this was probably a moment they would name in history. When you saw the faces, they were really serious. They had something to talk about. Usually summits are just more or less pleasantries because everything has been decided in advance, but during that time they talked about something that is not clear yet for both."
Kim Jong-un's smiles and small chats with President Moon also gave viewers an opportunity to appreciate a never before seen aspect of the North Korean leader.
"He's got a sense of humor. I think his attitude is very active, or aggressive in a way but not so offensive so it was a surprise to me. I heard that he is strong and determined,... not in a kind way. For me, this summit really changed my opinon on him."
Those who covered previous inter-Korean summits say the atmosphere between the leaders was much softer this time.
"The atmosphere was certainly different. I think nowadays, there is much more trust. President Moon has four more years in office, this is a good point. He has time to implement what has been decided at this summit."
But in terms of creating a new image for Kim on the international stage, some say there's still much do be done.
"Kim gave off a positive image through the summit,... but honestly, he wasn't really trusted by the international community until now. So it will take more time and effort to change his image. But I do think it will get better from now on."
"Though perspectives on the 2018 Inter-Korean summit varied from individual to individual,... the general consensus among this international pool of journalists seems to be that the summit was a success. Lee Ji-won, Arirang News."
Our Lee Ji-won talked to some of them at the Media Press Center, set up specially for this occasion, about their most memorable moments.
The pressure and work-related stress was palpable in the summit press center,... but there was also laughter and overwhelming emotions.
"It was a mixed atmosphere. I noticed that everybody is busy and exhausted in someway but still everyone is excited to witness this historic event in a way."
Other than the actual summit talks, the two leaders did a lot of activities together,... and even surprised many with off the script gestures.
"I think everyone would agree that the first moment they met was the most impressive. It's the first time a North Korean leader crossed the border since the Korean War,... AND on top of their unprecedented meeting, President Moon stepped on to the North's soil simply after a quick chat with Kim Jong-un. That shows how close and near the two Koreas actually are."
"When they walked on that bridge and sat down, this was probably a moment they would name in history. When you saw the faces, they were really serious. They had something to talk about. Usually summits are just more or less pleasantries because everything has been decided in advance, but during that time they talked about something that is not clear yet for both."
Kim Jong-un's smiles and small chats with President Moon also gave viewers an opportunity to appreciate a never before seen aspect of the North Korean leader.
"He's got a sense of humor. I think his attitude is very active, or aggressive in a way but not so offensive so it was a surprise to me. I heard that he is strong and determined,... not in a kind way. For me, this summit really changed my opinon on him."
Those who covered previous inter-Korean summits say the atmosphere between the leaders was much softer this time.
"The atmosphere was certainly different. I think nowadays, there is much more trust. President Moon has four more years in office, this is a good point. He has time to implement what has been decided at this summit."
But in terms of creating a new image for Kim on the international stage, some say there's still much do be done.
"Kim gave off a positive image through the summit,... but honestly, he wasn't really trusted by the international community until now. So it will take more time and effort to change his image. But I do think it will get better from now on."
"Though perspectives on the 2018 Inter-Korean summit varied from individual to individual,... the general consensus among this international pool of journalists seems to be that the summit was a success. Lee Ji-won, Arirang News."