**”Trump Unlikely to Miss APEC Opportunity”**
**”Need to Create Space for Inter-Korean Relations After US-North Korea Summit”**
On the 15th, Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young appeared on MBC’s “Questions from Sohn Suk-hee” and suggested that the APEC Summit in Gyeongju could be an opportunity to restart the US-North Korea summit. Minister Jeong mentioned Panmunjom’s Northern building, Panmungak, as the potential meeting location.
Minister Jeong stated in response to a question about the possibility of a meeting between North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump that “both the US and North Korea are ready.”
He further explained, “Based on disclosed information and signs we’ve detected, President Trump has stated he would like to meet Chairman Kim within the year. Given his disposition, I believe he will not miss the opportunity that APEC presents.”
Moreover, he added, “During Kim’s September speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly, 40% of the content was directed at the US and the South. If the obsession with denuclearization is set aside, he is willing to meet for peaceful coexistence.”
He also noted, “Chairman Kim wrapped up arrangements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Chinese Victory Day in September.”
Minister Jeong commented, “Nearly a month has passed since then, and North Korea is managing its messages. Based on various signs, the key is in Trump’s hands, and if he decides, there is a significant possibility for a US-North Korea summit at the APEC Summit.”
Minister Jeong identified ‘Panmungak on the Northern side of Panmunjom’ as the venue for the potential US-North Korea summit. He mentioned, “If the meeting is held in the North, it’s appropriate that President Lee Jae-myung does not accompany. Chairman Kim has said he will not engage the South, and the US-North Korea summit should precede to create the space needed for inter-Korean relations.”
Furthermore, Minister Jeong assessed Chairman Kim’s inclination to reopen talks with the US: “At the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party, Kim mentioned transforming the people’s livelihood within ten years. This is possible when engaging with the outside world and lifting sanctions through dialogue with the US.”