Is a Trump-Kim Meeting Possible at the APEC Summit in South Korea?
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Synopsis
As speculation mounts about a potential Trump-Kim meeting during the APEC summit in South Korea, the South Korean envoy to the U.S. reveals there are currently no indications of such an encounter. With dialogue being a key focus, will the two leaders find common ground amidst ongoing tensions?
Key Takeaways
- No current signs of a Trump-Kim meeting during APEC.
- Ambassador Kang emphasizes dialogue as a key focus.
- Trump remains open to discussions without preconditions.
- South Korea is working towards reducing tensions with North Korea.
- Final arrangements are being made for a potential summit between South Korean President and Trump.
New York, Oct 18 (NationPress) The leading envoy from South Korea to the United States has indicated that there are currently no signs that U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will engage in a meeting during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled to take place in Korea later this month.
Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha made this statement while participating in a parliamentary audit at the South Korean mission to the U.N. in New York. This comes amidst ongoing speculation that Trump may seek to reestablish communication with Kim during his visit to Korea for the APEC meeting, which is set for October 31 and November 1 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
"President Trump has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, and North Korea has also shown some openness toward discussions. However, there are no current indications that a meeting will occur during the APEC summit," Kang stated during the audit session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.
"We are continuing to monitor developments while keeping the possibility of a Trump-Kim meeting open," she further noted.
Last month, the White House reiterated that Trump remains willing to converse with Kim "without any preconditions," a statement that fueled speculation about the potential for renewed personal diplomacy between the two leaders during Trump's upcoming visit to Korea.
Kim has also indicated a readiness to resume talks with the U.S. if Washington relaxes its demands regarding North Korea's denuclearization.
During his first term, Trump's personal diplomatic efforts with Kim resulted in three face-to-face meetings: in Singapore in June 2018, in Hanoi in February 2019, and at the inter-Korean border truce village of Panmunjom in June 2019.
When asked whether Kim seeks U.S. acknowledgment of its nuclear arsenal should he agree to meet Trump, the ambassador refrained from making any assumptions.
"The U.S. has consistently expressed its desire to resume dialogue without preconditions," she emphasized.
Regarding the potential for a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump during the APEC event, Kang mentioned, "I understand that final arrangements are being made to ensure that the summit occurs."
At the beginning of the audit, Kang reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to reducing tensions and fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue with North Korea, pledging to strengthen cooperation with Washington in these efforts.
Her comments come as Seoul aims to revive inter-Korean engagement despite Pyongyang's rejection of dialogue and its ongoing advancements in nuclear and missile capabilities.
"While actively pursuing dialogue with North Korea to address Korean Peninsula issues, we will also strive to elicit a sincere response from Pyongyang," Kang concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain objective while focusing on the evolving diplomatic landscape between the U.S. and North Korea. The potential for dialogue is a positive sign, yet the lack of concrete plans highlights the complexities of international relations. Maintaining a balanced perspective is essential as developments unfold.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of a potential Trump-Kim meeting during APEC?
Currently, there are no indications that U.S. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will meet during the APEC summit in South Korea.
What did Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha say about the possibility of a meeting?
Ambassador Kang stated that while President Trump is open to dialogue and North Korea has shown some willingness, there are no current signs that a meeting will happen at the APEC summit.
What is the significance of the APEC summit for U.S.-North Korea relations?
The APEC summit could present an opportunity for renewed discussions between the two leaders, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations if a meeting occurs.
Has Trump expressed a willingness to meet Kim without preconditions?
Yes, the White House has reiterated that President Trump remains open to discussions with Kim without any preconditions.
What are South Korea's goals regarding inter-Korean relations?
South Korea aims to reduce tensions and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue with North Korea, while also seeking to elicit a sincere response from Pyongyang.
