**’US Also Discusses Possibility of North Korea Talks Internally’ CNN Reports… The Key Lies with Kim Jong-un**
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Hyo-jung = As interest grows in the possibility of North Korea-US talks on the sidelines of US President Donald Trump’s attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this month, attention is turning to North Korea’s next moves.
On the 18th (local time), CNN reported that Trump’s administration officials have been discussing behind closed doors the possibility of President Trump meeting North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un during his visit to Asia.
However, CNN added that no serious logistical planning has been carried out for such a meeting and there has been no communication with North Korea.
According to the reports, while there are no tangible moves between the US and North Korea yet, internal discussions within the Trump administration appear to be considering the possibility of North Korea-US talks during this Asia visit.
Given President Trump’s unpredictable nature, and the fact that the surprise meeting with the leaders of South Korea and North Korea at Panmunjom in June 2019 was made through his impromptu suggestion, the possibility of North Korea-US dialogue fast-tracking during this APEC opportunity cannot be ruled out.
At that time, the meeting between the leaders of North Korea, South Korea, and the US was arranged just 32 hours after Trump suggested a meeting with Chairman Kim at the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) via Twitter.
In the interim, the US and North Korea exchanged intentions via a direct hotline between the UN Command and North Korean forces and working-level officials from both sides met late at night at the North Korean-side building in Panmunjom, completing arrangements quickly.
If President Trump proposes a similar impromptu meeting this time, substantial preparation will be required, reminiscent of the previous encounter, suggesting that the US government also needs to be prepared in advance.
The fact that such a report was released through the US media may also signal that the Trump administration is ‘open to dialogue if the opportunity arises,’ some interpretations suggest.
The key issue, however, is North Korea’s intention. Professor Lim Eul-chul from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University stated, “The key to a sudden summit meeting between the US and North Korea seemingly rests with Kim Jong-un.”
Chairman Kim Jong-un stated at the Supreme People’s Assembly last month, “If the US gives up on the absurd obsession with denuclearization and sincerely seeks peaceful coexistence with us based on the reality, we have no reason not to face the US,” and has since refrained from provocative remarks against the US, appearing to be observing the situation.
However, as the date for APEC nears and interest in North Korea-US talks increases, there is a possibility that North Korea might issue some form of statement.
It remains unclear whether North Korea will agree to North Korea-US talks on the occasion of APEC.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, appearing on MBC’s ‘Son Seok-hee’s Questions’ program on the 15th, repeatedly suggested the possibility of dialogue being realized, stating that “if President Trump decides, there is quite a possibility of a North Korea-US summit during the APEC summit.”
Conversely, some assessments suggest that the US showing no sign of conceding on North Korea’s demand to ‘abandon denuclearization agenda,’ and North Korea having no immediate concerns thanks to close ties with China and Russia, offers little motivation for North Korea to engage in talks.
The upcoming 9th Party Congress, which North Korea plans to hold late this year or early next year, is also a variable.
If North Korea rejects dialogue, they are likely to announce their principled position through statements from officials such as Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers’ Party.
Professor Lim stated, “Considering Kim Jong-un’s minimum personal rapport with Trump, there is a possibility that they may soon express their position through Kim Yo-jong’s statement while saving face.”
Meanwhile, if the possibility of dialogue is not ruled out, they may maintain a stance of waiting and observing until before APEC, while keeping the dialogue potential alive.
kimhyoj@yna.co.kr