There is speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un might hold a surprise meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.
While the U.S. government is said to have privately discussed a potential meeting with Kim, the South Korean presidential office considers the likelihood to be low. Nonetheless, they remain cautious and are accounting for all variables.
On Monday, Presidential Office spokesperson Kim Nam-jun held a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, stating that they have continuously expressed our support for dialogue between North Korea and the U.S. regarding the possibility of a summit. Its position remains unchanged.
Previously, CNN reported on October 18 that the Trump administration was privately discussing a North Korea-U.S. summit in conjunction with President Trump’s upcoming Asia tour. Trump is scheduled to visit Japan from October 27 to 29, followed by South Korea for the APEC summit.
The suspension of special tours to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom from later this month to early next month has fueled speculation about a surprise North Korea-U.S. summit. Unification Ministry spokesperson Koo Byeong-sam confirmed during a regular briefing that the ministry will not conduct any special tours to Panmunjom during this period.
President Trump and Kim Jong Un previously held an unexpected summit at Panmunjom in 2019. During his visit to Japan, Trump proposed the meeting via social media, and they met just 32 hours later. There is a possibility that Trump might again suggest an impromptu meeting, potentially leading to a North Korea-U.S. summit.
Reports indicate that Kevin Kim, who handled North Korea-U.S. summit preparations during Trump’s first term, has been appointed as the new deputy U.S. ambassador to South Korea. This appointment has sparked speculation about renewed discussions regarding a North Korea-U.S. summit.
If a North Korea-U.S. summit were to occur during the APEC meeting, it would test the diplomatic strategy of the Lee Jae Myung administration, which has positioned itself as a facilitator. During the U.S.-South Korea summit in August, President Lee stated that if President Trump acts as a peacemaker, he will actively support him as a facilitator. His goal is to expand the dialogue to include South Korea, North Korea, and the U.S., even if it means assuming a supporting role.
The Presidential Office assesses the chances of a North Korea-U.S. summit as slim but remains vigilant for any developments. A senior official from the Presidential Office commented that it believes the likelihood of a North Korea-U.S. summit is almost nonexistent, as there are currently no signs, but added that they are monitoring the situation closely just in case.
Another official from the Presidential Office noted that it can confirm that both North Korea and the U.S. have a need for dialogue, though he clarified that there are no concrete indications or scheduled meetings at this time.
