This epic love story almost went untold if not for the media attention on Hanoi — the venue for the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump.

Retired chemical factory designer Pham Ngoc Canh, 69, spent 31 years navigating around various obstacles to keep his love affair with North Korean Ri Yong-hui, 70, alive.

Video: Nuria Ling/TODAY