North Korea braces for potential Trump-Kim talks, according to Seoul's intelligence
Photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
North Korea is reportedly preparing for a possible meeting between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, after the idea surfaced during the American leader's recent visit to Asia, according to Bloomberg.
According to South Korea's intelligence agency, Pyongyang has begun collecting information on US officials involved in North Korea policy.
In addition, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui reportedly questioned whether to proceed with a planned visit to Russia after Trump expressed readiness to meet with Kim.
Bloomberg recalled that Trump last met the North Korean leader in 2019. During his latest trip to Asia, he again stated he was open to talks, but the meeting did not take place due to a tight schedule.
Meanwhile, intelligence officials believe Kim seeks to recalibrate his diplomacy and legitimize his nuclear arsenal, using closer ties with Russia and China as leverage to improve relations with Washington.
Commenting on military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, intelligence officials said it will take Pyongyang significant time to achieve full operational readiness for its hypersonic missiles, surveillance satellites, and destroyers, while the development of submarine-based weapons remains slow.
Trump-Kim meeting
In August, President Trump announced his intention to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders have already met three times in 2018 and 2019 to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, which are under UN sanctions.
In November 2024, Reuters reported that Trump's team was exploring the possibility of direct talks with Kim Jong Un. According to CNN, the meeting could take place as early as November, though it remains uncertain.
The Nikkei also wrote that the potential meeting could be held in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
