Kevin Kim, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, has reassured that South Korea will not be sidelined in U.S.-North Korea negotiations under the Trump administration.
During a Wednesday press briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Kim emphasized that the United States has exceptionally high expectations for South Korea. He shared that having dealt with Korean Peninsula issues for over two decades in Washington, D.C., he has witnessed a complete transformation in the attitudes and expectations regarding South Korea within the administration and among bipartisan groups in Congress.
Kim expressed confidence that South Korea would remain a key player in diplomatic discussions, adding that he has no concerns about the level of attention South Korea will receive. He assured that high-level communication between South Korea and the U.S. will not be an issue.
In a separate interview with the Dong-A Ilbo, Kim stressed the importance of diplomacy for North Korea and underscored the need to engage in negotiations. “Kim Jong Un must recognize that diplomacy is the most advantageous path for himself, North Korea, and its people,” he said.
Kim clarified that while the phrase “complete denuclearization of North Korea” accurately reflects the Trump administration’s goals, realistically, North Korea is currently the only nuclear-armed state on the Korean Peninsula. This comment suggests the possibility that the U.S. might pursue a “small deal” for nuclear disarmament after acknowledging North Korea’s nuclear status.
Addressing tariff issues, Kim explained that President Donald Trump’s top priority is to create a more balanced economic relationship with the United States. The U.S. plans to discuss economic cooperation initiatives with South Korea and Japan, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), critical mineral supply chains, and shipbuilding. Kim assured that these economic discussions would continue regardless of South Korea’s political climate.
Kim, who is of Korean descent, previously served as a senior advisor and chief of staff in the State Department’s Office of Special Representative for North Korea Policy during Trump’s first term. He was instrumental in U.S. negotiations with North Korea, including the U.S.-North Korea summits, while Stephen Biegun was the special representative.
During his visit to South Korea, Kim met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the Trump administration’s North Korea policy and key issues in the South Korea-U.S. alliance. This marks the first visit by a State Department official responsible for Korean Peninsula affairs since the beginning of Trump’s second term.