As Donald Trump tours Asia, he’s hopeful to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again, aiming to relive the unique diplomatic engagement that once stirred global interest. Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, Kim seems less inclined to reunite.
“We Fell in Love”
Back in 2018, tensions seemed near a boiling point between the U.S. and North Korea. Surprisingly, a bond appeared between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking during a rally in Virginia some six years ago, Trump mentioned, “I like him. He likes me… And then we fell in love. OK? No, really! He wrote me beautiful letters. And they’re great letters. We fell in love.”
In 2019, Trump made headlines as he crossed into North Korean territory with Kim Jong Un, marking a historic moment. The interaction was friendly, with Trump patting Kim on the arm before crossing the line dividing North and South Korea. It’s clear Trump hasn’t forgotten his former “friend”.
Before embarking on his latest Asia journey, which includes stops in Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, Trump shared his desire to reconnect with Kim Jong Un.
“I’ll Be in South Korea”
While aboard Air Force One heading to Malaysia, Trump expressed to reporters, “I just had a good relationship with him. I would love to see him, if he wants to, if he even gets this message. We haven’t mentioned anything, but he knows I’m going over there. If he’d like to meet, I’d love to meet him.”
With a smile, Trump added a message for the media: “If you want to put out the word, I’m open to it. If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea.”
Despite Trump’s overtures, Pyongyang’s response has been silent. As of Tuesday, U.S. and South Korean officials have confirmed no meeting plans, and no response from Kim’s government has been received.
Trump, however, remains hopeful. Discussions about international sanctions, imposed due to North Korea’s missile programs, might serve as a platform to bring Kim back to the negotiating table. “That’s pretty big to start off with,” Trump commented. “I would say that’s about as big as you get.”
The Dictator’s Response
Curiously, while Kim hasn’t directly responded to Trump’s latest request, he hinted at a possibility of meeting under specific conditions. According to Korean Central News, Kim stated, “Personally, I still have fond memories of U.S. President Trump. If the United States drops the absurd obsession with denuclearizing us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States.”
Kim expressed no interest in dealings with South Korea for now, labeling any prospects for inter-Korean talks as off the table.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, however, remains hopeful. After taking office in June, Lee believes Trump’s influence could de-escalate regional tensions and foster diplomacy. South Korea’s reunification minister also sees a “considerable” chance of Trump meeting Kim Jong Un.
Test-Firing Cruise Missiles
Trump, during his South Korea visit, confirmed no meeting with Kim Jong Un would occur, ending speculations of their potential reunion. Just before Trump’s arrival, Pyongyang announced cruise missile tests, perceived as a warning to what it labeled as its “enemies.”
“I know Kim Jong Un very well… we really weren’t able to work out timing,” Trump mentioned.
Discussing regional dynamics, Trump expressed his intent to “straighten out” relations between North and South Korea during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Lee, from a nation technically at war with the North, commended Trump’s outreach, suggesting it fostered a “significant sense of warmth and peace on the Korean peninsula.”
Aboard Air Force One earlier, Trump reiterated his anticipation of another meeting with Kim.”, “At some point, we’ll be involved with North Korea. I think they’d like to, and I’d like to,” Trump shared.
