Kim Jong Un shown Hollywood-style video pitching possible future

The video pitched a future to Mr Kim Jong Un in which he could "advance his country and be part of a new world".
The video pitched a future to Mr Kim Jong Un in which he could "advance his country and be part of a new world". PHOTO: WHITEHOUSE/YOUTUBE
A short video, produced by the White House for US President Donald Trump to show North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their historic summit, screens for journalists at press conference at the Capella Singapore, on June 12, 2018. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

As images from around the world - Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, the Colosseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India - flashed on the big screen, accompanied by dramatic narration and musical score, one could have mistaken it for a movie trailer.

"Two men, two leaders, one destiny," said the narrator as pictures of Mr Kim Jong Un and Mr Donald Trump emerged on the large screen in front of more than 200 members of the media.

The journalists were at a news conference held by the US President yesterday following his summit with the North Korean leader.

The four-minute clip, which journalists viewed before the conference, was shown to Mr Kim during the summit at Capella Singapore, said Mr Trump.

The Hollywood blockbuster-style video pitched a possible future to Mr Kim, one in which, according to the narrator, he could choose to "advance his country and be part of a new world" in a "meeting to remake history".

The video portrayed Mr Kim and Mr Trump as the main stars.

"I think he loved it," said Mr Trump, referring to Mr Kim, in response to questions about the video.

"I mean, that could very well be the future. And the other alternative is just not a very good alternative."

The video also referred to the historic April meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae In and Mr Kim in the demilitarised zone along their countries' common border.

"There can only be two results. One of moving back," said the narrator at one point, as the clip cut to ominous black-and-white footage of missiles being set off, ships at sea and a jet flying through the sky.

The narrator then continued: "Or one of moving forward. A new world can begin today. One of friendship, respect and goodwill."

The clip also contained shots of technological marvels like fast trains, research facilities and high-tech medical equipment. There was also footage of a basketball player executing a slam dunk, no doubt because Mr Kim is known to be an avid fan of the sport. The Singapore city skyline and a scene of Marina Bay Sands, which Mr Kim visited on Monday evening, appeared as well.

It ended with the narrator saying: "One moment, one choice, what if? The future remains to be written."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 13, 2018, with the headline Kim Jong Un shown Hollywood-style video pitching possible future. Subscribe