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Japanese chef discusses abduction issue, ramen with Kim Jong Un

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

2012/09/07

Kenji Fujimoto, the former personal chef of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, is reunited with new leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on July 22. (Provided by Kenji Fujimoto)Kenji Fujimoto is overcome with emotion after being welcomed by North Korea's new leader, Kim Jong Un, on July 22. (Provided by Kenji Fujimoto)Kenji Fujimoto pours wine for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on July 22 at a luncheon in Pyongyang. (Provided by Kenji Fujimoto)Kenji Fujimoto, center, at a banquet held by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Sitting next to him are Sakura, an interpreter, and Jang Song Thaek, chief of the central administrative department of the Workers' Party of Korea. (Provided by Kenji Fujimoto)North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, at a banquet attended by Kenji Fujimoto. (Provided by Kenji Fujimoto)Kenji Fujimoto meets Ri Sol Ju, the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Provided by Kenji Fujimoto)Kenji Fujimoto, the former personal chef of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (Photo by Atsushi Hiroshima)

Kenji Fujimoto was nervous about returning to Pyongyang, fearing he could be punished because of his actions 11 years ago. Adding to his unease in the North Korean capital was the purpose of his visit: meeting members of the family that has ruled the country since its establishment more than half a century ago.