Trump says he will meet Kim Jong Un after request from South Korea’s president

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Full Story

President Trump has said he intends to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after receiving a request from South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung. Trump added that the meeting would occur in “the appropriate future,” possibly this year.

The announcement came during remarks in the Oval Office, where Trump was pressed on timing. He clarified he would like the meeting to happen within the year if conditions allow.

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The Context

North and South Korea remain technically at war since the 1950s, with the peninsula divided along the Demilitarized Zone. Efforts at reconciliation have historically relied on talks involving the United States.

Trump previously met Kim Jong Un during his first term, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president held direct talks with a North Korean leader. Those meetings focused on denuclearization and easing tensions.

South Korea has often encouraged dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang to reduce the risk of conflict. Requests for U.S. mediation are part of a longstanding strategy to stabilize the peninsula.

Supporters of Trump’s approach argue direct engagement reduces hostility and shows American leadership. They view meetings as opportunities to build peace rather than escalate confrontation.

Critics argue such talks risk legitimizing a regime accused of severe human rights abuses. They contend that dialogue should not come without enforceable commitments.

Trump’s statement leaves the precise timing of the meeting open-ended, but his intent to proceed is clear. Whether the talks occur this year may depend on diplomatic and security conditions.