Trump and Kim Jong Un May Hold Summit Next Year, South Korean Agency Reports

The prospect of a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears increasingly likely, according to South Korea’s main intelligence agency. On Tuesday, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicated that there is a significant possibility that North Korea and the United States will engage in talks next year following a period of apparent disinterest from Kim.

The assessment comes as Trump has consistently expressed interest in resuming direct diplomacy with Kim, though he was unable to meet with the North Korean leader during his recent diplomatic tour of Asia. Lee Sung-kwon, an opposition lawmaker and secretary for the national assembly’s intelligence committee, reported that the NIS believes Kim is keen to pursue dialogue with the U.S. and will seek contact when conditions are favorable.

Potential Timing and Context for Talks

Lee suggested that a potential summit could occur following the joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea scheduled for March 2024. North Korea has historically criticized these drills, viewing them as rehearsals for invasion, a claim that both the U.S. and South Korea deny. According to Lee, the NIS informed lawmakers that “North Korea is preparing behind the scenes for dialogue with the United States,” and Kim appears to be adjusting his rhetoric in anticipation of possible talks.

Trump and Kim have met three times during Trump’s presidency, with their last encounter occurring in 2019. However, those discussions on denuclearization fell apart due to disagreements over U.S.-led sanctions on North Korea. Since that time, Kim has advanced his ballistic missile and nuclear programs and has strengthened ties with Russia, providing artillery and troops to support Moscow in its conflict in Ukraine.

Current Stance on Denuclearization

North Korean officials have consistently stated that they will not negotiate with the U.S. unless Washington acknowledges North Korea as a nuclear power. This past Saturday, Pyongyang dismissed the idea of denuclearization as a “pipe dream.” Kim has also shown reluctance to engage with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has advocated for greater engagement with the North compared to his conservative predecessor. During the United Nations General Assembly in September, Lee emphasized a “phased solution” to the North Korean nuclear issue, recognizing that denuclearization cannot be achieved rapidly.

Prior to Trump’s recent trip to Asia, speculation arose regarding a potential meeting with Kim. Trump indicated he was willing to extend his five-day trip to facilitate such a meeting. After meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Trump remarked, “We never were able to talk because, look, I was so busy,” asserting that the Xi meeting was the focal point of his visit. He added, “I think it would have been maybe disrespectful to the importance of this meeting” if he had attempted to meet with Kim simultaneously.

Despite the missed opportunity, Trump has expressed a willingness to return to Asia for a meeting with Kim, describing their relationship as “great.” He is expected to visit China again in April 2024 to meet with Xi, following their recent discussions in Busan, South Korea, which marked their first encounter since Trump took office again in January.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul, and Jennifer Jett contributed from Hong Kong.