South Korea’s unification minister expressed optimism on Friday, stating there is a “considerable” chance that US President Donald Trump will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un next week. Trump will visit South Korea on Wednesday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum.
US media reports indicate that officials from Trump’s administration have privately discussed arranging a meeting with Kim, following their last meeting in 2019. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young noted that North Korea seems to be paying attention to the United States, suggesting a significant possibility of a meeting.
Trump’s Hope for Dialogue
Trump has expressed his desire to meet Kim again, possibly within this year, with Kim mentioning last month he had “fond memories” of Trump and indicated openness to talks if the US dropped its “delusional” demand for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons. Seoul urged both leaders not to let this opportunity “slip away.” Chung emphasized, “I don’t want to miss even a one percent chance,” adding that the leaders need to make a decision soon, as his ministry manages the delicate relations with the North.
While officials have not made any official announcements about a meeting, South Korea and the UN Command suspended tours of the Joint Security Area (JSA) from late October to early November. The area holds significance because it is the only place where soldiers from both North and South Korea regularly face each other.
Chung reported that North Koreans have been spotted “sprucing up” areas near the JSA for the first time this year. Activities included cleaning, pulling weeds, tidying flower beds, and taking photos, which may indicate North Korea’s readiness for potential talks.
Previous Meetings and Challenges
Trump and Kim met three times during Trump’s first term, as they quickly arranged their last impromptu meeting at Panmunjom after Trump invited Kim via Twitter. During that historic event, Trump stepped onto North Korean soil, becoming the first sitting US president to do so.
However, talks eventually collapsed over disagreements regarding the extent of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and what Pyongyang would receive in return. In August, Trump praised his relationship with Kim, stating he knew him “better than anybody, almost, other than his sister.”
