Post by : Badri Ariffin

During an official visit to Beijing, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delighted social media with a cheerful selfie featuring Chinese President Xi Jinping. Captured on a Xiaomi smartphone gifted by Xi, the photo not only drew smiles but also a deeper narrative surrounding the device.

The image showcases Lee and Xi with their wives, all beaming with warmth. Lee shared the picture on X, calling it a “shot of a lifetime” and mentioning that the selfie was taken on the Xiaomi phone received in Gyeongju. The post quickly gained traction online, inviting a flood of comments and shares.

Adding to the moment's significance was the backstory of the phone itself. Months prior, Xi had humorously told Lee to “check if there is a backdoor” regarding the security of the phone, referencing potently relevant surveillance issues. This delightful quip from the Chinese leader left an impression that resurfaced in the wake of the selfie.

Social media users eagerly engaged with the post, blending humor with political commentary. A notable viral remark playfully pondered whether other global leaders had received the same phone, demonstrating how one image can open discussions about technology, trust, and international relations.

Lee’s office subsequently released a short video showcasing Xi praising Lee’s photography skills. The congenial interaction contrasted with the expected formality of high-level diplomacy, injecting warmth into the visit.

This visit occurred against a backdrop of heightened global tensions, as Lee aimed to mend fragile ties between Seoul and Beijing following recent controversies that sparked criticism from China and its allies. The selfie serves as a light-hearted representation of Lee's ambition to recalibrate South Korea's foreign relations with China.

Within the larger narrative of politics, it’s the human touch that resonated: two influential leaders joyfully sharing a photographic moment that transcended the usual diplomatic formality.

#Global News