On March 13, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. President Donald Trump for approximately 20 minutes at the White House, where he offered advice on advancing relations with North Korea.
Prime Minister Kim held a press briefing with South Korean correspondents at the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., stating that he engaged in a conversation with President Trump for about 20 minutes starting around noon today, without the need for an interpreter. He explained that Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha and others were also present during the Oval Office meeting.
Kim relayed that he conveyed that President Lee Jae Myung often refers to Trump as the only president capable of resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula.
He continued that in response, President Trump turned to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, who had attended previous meetings, asking, Did you hear what was just said? He then asked me to repeat it, which Kim interpreted as a positive reception to their initial greeting.
Kim reported that President Trump began the conversation by briefly mentioning the situation in Iran. He added that Trump then expressed interest in North Korea and immediately requested his aides to bring a photo of Chairman Kim Jong Un taken at Panmunjom. It discussed the matter while looking at that picture.
He noted that President Trump mentioned maintaining a good relationship with Kim Jong Un and expressed curiosity about whether Kim Jong Un desires dialogue with the U.S. and himself, asking for his opinion.
Kim elaborated that in response to President Trump’s inquiry, he shared several points. He emphasized that he is the only Western leader who has directly communicated with Chairman Kim Jong Un, and he expressed his belief that he possesses unique capabilities as a peacemaker to resolve issues on the Korean Peninsula.
The Prime Minister remarked that President Trump seemed to find his comments highly significant and reacted positively. He discussed North Korea’s current situation, their potential interest in dialogue with President Trump, and strategies to advance that relationship.
He added that he believes it’s crucial to report the details to the President upon returning to Korea, so he won’t disclose them today. After his remarks, President Trump immediately issued several directives to his aides.
Kim elaborated that President Trump instructed that one key point from his comments should be further investigated. However, as it pertains to actions related to North Korea, he doesn’t think it’s appropriate to disclose the specifics of President Trump’s instructions.
He stated that as mentioned, much of the discussion centered on his views regarding North Korean issues. Overall, he felt the atmosphere at the conclusion of the conversation was quite positive.
Prime Minister Kim asked President Trump if he could deliver his verbal opinions in writing before departing the U.S., to which Trump agreed. Kim emphasized, “I plan to send the memo shortly.”
On March 12, Kim met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, marking their first meeting since his visit to the U.S. in January, 50 days prior.
Kim explained that he discussed the National Assembly’s approval of the special law on U.S. investment and key projects of interest to the U.S., including Coupang and critical minerals, with Vice President Vance.
