Seoul Says Trump–Kim Jong Un Meeting During APEC Summit Unlikely
The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung considers a sudden meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the inter-Korean border during the APEC summit unlikely, though it does not rule out the possibility, Deputy Director of National Security Oh Hyun-joo said on Monday.
“Our administration’s overall assessment is that there are no specific signs indicating this meeting will take place,” Oh told reporters at a press conference. “I have no substantive information that the meeting will happen—only speculation in the newspapers,” she added.
When pressed about the chances of a surprise encounter, Oh recalled that the 2019 meeting between Trump and Kim at the inter-Korean border was arranged on short notice. She explained that Seoul’s assessment is based on its understanding of North Korea’s likely behavior, though she admitted that “North Korea often defies South Korean expectations.” The day before, South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac voiced a similar stance, noting that while there are no signs of preparations for such a meeting, Seoul remains ready should it occur.
