North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un sits in his vehicle after arriving at Dong Dang railway station, Vietnam, at the border with China, Tuesday. Reuters-Yonhap

By Kim Ji-soo

Traveling more than 4,000 kilometers and 65 hours to take his first step in Vietnam, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un disembarked at Dong Dang Railway Station, Tuesday, looking confident and authoritative.

He was accompanied on his armored green train by a top-level North Korean entourage that included his sister Kim Yo-jong, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party Kim Yong-chol, who has held ministerial-level talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, senior party aide Ri Su-yong and Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho. North Korean first lady Ri Sol-ju did not accompany him.

An interpreter was seen rushing to his side, as Kim met with a long line of Vietnamese officials.