NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong-un has drawn global curiosity for his unusual security practices, travelling with his own toilet and having every chair and table he uses sanitised immediately after meetings.
Observers believe these measures are designed to shield him from potential biometric espionage. The precautions came under the spotlight during his recent trip to Beijing, where he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Television footage showed Kim’s aides rushing to wipe down his seat and desk as soon as he stood up after a lengthy discussion with Putin.
Experts argue the move goes beyond routine protocol. It is seen as a deliberate effort to stop foreign intelligence agencies from collecting traces of sweat, skin, or other biological material that could reveal sensitive information.
Peter Ward, a North Korea specialist at the Sejong Institute, noted that biometric data from the country’s top leader is treated as a matter of national security.
“DNA and biomarkers can disclose a wealth of details, from health conditions to personal habits, and even weaknesses that might be exploited in diplomacy,” he explained.
Japanese media have also reported that Kim carries a personal toilet on his armoured train, a practice he is said to have adopted during earlier summits with US and South Korean leaders.
Lim Si-keun, a forensic science professor at Sungkyunkwan University, added that genetic material can expose not only chronic illnesses but also lifestyle patterns, such as alcohol use.
“With rapid advances in technology, we cannot predict how this data may be used in the future, so concealing it is the safest course,” he said.
Interestingly, Kim is not the only leader to take such precautions. Reports suggest that Vladimir Putin also relies on a portable toilet during overseas visits to avoid leaving behind biological traces.—Sept 10, 2025
Main image: Reuters
