**”Three Elements Are Not Sequential But Interdependent… Panmunjom US-North Korea Summit Still in the Realm of Imagination”**
Wi Seong-rak, the National Security Director, stated on the 23rd (local time) at the Korean Press Center in a hotel in New York that the three elements of the ‘E.N.D initiative’ proposed by President Lee Jae-myung in his keynote speech at the UN General Assembly are not in a sequential relationship but have a mutually propelling structure. According to Wi, these elements include Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization, and are principles emphasized in past inter-Korean agreements and the 2018 US-North Korea Singapore Summit Statement.
He addressed criticism that this approach might prioritize normalization over denuclearization by highlighting that the initiative is a comprehensive approach aimed at resolving Korean Peninsula issues and contributing to world peace and prosperity. The government plans to promote a mutually propelling process through inter-Korean and US-North dialogues.
**Rebuttal Against Criticism of Denuclearization Being Postponed**
Wi responded to questions suggesting that normalization in the E.N.D initiative appears to acknowledge North Korea’s ‘two-state theory’ by clarifying that the government does not support or recognize such a notion. He reiterated that South-North relations are special and provisional within the process of aiming for reunification, as per the Basic Agreement on South-North relations.
Wi also mentioned that the E.N.D initiative compliments the previously proposed ‘three-step approach’ to North Korean denuclearization and that both frameworks are compatible and supportive of each other.
As for the immediate reaction from North Korea to this initiative, Wi tempered expectations, indicating it was unrealistic to expect short-term changes but emphasized the aim to positively influence the improvement of inter-Korean relations.
**Possibility of a US-North Korea Summit?**
Addressing the possibility of a US-North Korea summit during the APEC Summit in Gyeongju in October, Wi noted that it remains in the “realm of imagination.” He commented on the potential presence of former President Trump in Gyeongju but stressed that no official discussions have progressed on facilitating a summit at Panmunjom.
Wi further highlighted dialogues with US diplomatic and security opinion leaders regarding improvements to the US visa system and tariff negotiations. The engagements aim to secure broad support for the development of South Korea-US relations and to facilitate comprehensive strategic alliances.
Regarding tariff negotiations, Wi expressed that while there are differing details, a middle ground could be achieved, stressing the importance of rapid resolution for the predictability needed by businesses.
Lastly, he anticipated the APEC Summit in Gyeongju would offer an opportunity for a South Korea-US summit, highlighting the potential to advance various issues, including tariff negotiations, through intensified consultations.