USA Trump Seeks Meeting with North Korea's Kim Amid South Korea Talk

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In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year while hosting South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung at the White House.

 

An unexpected declaration filled the Oval Office as Trump signalled eagerness for dialogue with the North Korean leader, stating, "I'd like to meet him this year." This comes amid tense interactions with South Korea's new president, Lee Jae Myung, who was welcomed for the first time to the White House. The meeting, despite being described as promising, took place under a cloud of recent social media controversies, which Trump dismissed as misunderstandings.

 

The U.S. and South Korea's alliance experienced renewed friction despite a recently negotiated trade agreement. Key issues emerging from their talks included nuclear energy, defence spending, and a $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea to the U.S. A business forum followed the political discussions, with top executives from major companies like Boeing, Nvidia, and General Motors in attendance, reported REUTERS.

 

In stark contrast to Trump's overtures, North Korea maintained silence regarding his proposal. Instead, the North Korean media criticised U.S.-South Korean military drills, framing them as aggressive manoeuvres. Kim Jong Un, ignoring Trump's attempts to reignite past diplomacy, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing North Korea's nuclear agenda and showcased new air defence technology over the weekend.

 

Lee, skilfully sidestepping controversial topics, praised Trump's interior design and peace efforts. Emphasising cooperation, Lee shared hopes for peace on the Korean Peninsula and even jested about playing golf in a potential "Trump World" in North Korea. The overall positive vibe negated the need for a formal joint statement, highlighting the rapport built during this initial encounter.

 

Despite a trade agreement, Trump revealed ongoing pressures on South Korea regarding military alliance concerns. He expressed intentions to discuss intelligence related to South Korean investigations targeting religious and military entities. A recent police raid on a church led by a controversial pastor and an investigation at a U.S.-shared military base underscored brewing domestic tensions within South Korea.

 

Ruffling feathers, Trump appeared ready to pressure South Korea to increase its defence spending, particularly for maintaining U.S. troops on the peninsula. When questioned about troop reduction in South Korea, Trump hinted at potential future land negotiations, referencing Camp Humphreys, a U.S. Army garrison.

 

President Lee, aiming for balanced international relations, expressed reluctance to fully embrace U.S. demands for increased military operational flexibility tied to China-related threats. Meanwhile, Lee's diplomatic outreach included a symbolic gesture towards China, South Korea's primary trade partner, and a delegation seeking to stabilise bilateral relations.

 

A visit to a shipyard owned by South Korea's Hanwha Group in Philadelphia is planned during his U.S. stay, and Lee continues to emphasise South Korea's economic contributions. Trump's potential participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this year marks another focal point for ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two allies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from REUTERS 2025-08-26