US President Trump Expresses Interest in Meeting North Korea’s Kim Jong Un
United States President Donald Trump has expressed his interest in meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again. During a White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump stated he looks forward to seeing Kim. The two leaders also discussed the presence of US military bases in South Korea, with Trump suggesting the US should own the land where these bases are located.
Key Facts
- President Trump said he looks forward to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
- The statement was made during a White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
- Trump suggested the US should own the land in South Korea where US military bases are located.
- President Lee told Trump that Kim Jong Un “will be waiting” to meet him.
President Donald Trump’s expression of interest in meeting Kim Jong Un signals a potential continuation of diplomatic engagement with North Korea. Trump has met with Kim on three prior occasions. The possibility of another meeting suggests an ongoing effort to address denuclearization and security concerns in the Korean Peninsula.
President Lee’s statement that Kim Jong Un “will be waiting” to meet Trump indicates a perceived openness from North Korea to engage in further talks. This could be interpreted as a positive sign for future diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving long-standing tensions in the region. However, no direct confirmation from North Korean sources is provided in the source.
Trump’s suggestion that the US should own the land housing US military bases in South Korea introduces a new dimension to the discussions. The presence of approximately 28,500 American troops in South Korea underscores the strategic importance of the alliance between the two countries. Trump’s desire to own the land adds a financial aspect to the security relationship, potentially impacting future negotiations and agreements.
Background
The relationship between the United States, South Korea, and North Korea has been complex and fraught with tension for decades. The Korean War, which ended in 1953 with an armistice but no formal peace treaty, left the Korean Peninsula divided. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea. The United States has maintained a strong military presence in South Korea to deter aggression from North Korea and to maintain stability in the region.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue have had mixed results. Six-party talks, involving the two Koreas, the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, have been held intermittently over the years, but have failed to produce a lasting agreement. Under previous administrations, the US has pursued various strategies, ranging from sanctions and pressure to diplomatic engagement, in an attempt to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
South Korea’s political landscape has also played a significant role in shaping inter-Korean relations. The impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and the subsequent election of Lee Jae-myung, who has expressed a desire to improve relations with North Korea, has introduced new dynamics into the equation. Lee’s efforts to restore the September 19 Military Agreement, which aimed to reduce military tensions along the border, reflect his commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.
The presence of US military bases in South Korea has been a long-standing issue, with the US contributing significantly to the defense of the peninsula. The cost-sharing arrangements for maintaining these bases have been a topic of negotiation between the two countries, reflecting the complexities of the alliance and the financial burdens associated with it. Trump’s recent suggestion to own the land adds a new layer to these discussions, potentially altering the terms of the agreement.
Timeline / What We Know
- June 2025: Lee Jae-myung was elected as the new President of South Korea following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
- Last week: Lee announced his intention to restore the September 19 Military Agreement.
- Monday: Lee met with Trump at the White House.
- During the White House meeting: Trump expressed interest in meeting with Kim Jong Un again and suggested the US should own the land where US military bases are located in South Korea.
In June 2025, Lee Jae-myung assumed the presidency of South Korea, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. His election followed the impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, setting the stage for a new approach to both domestic and foreign policy challenges. Lee’s rise to power signaled a potential shift in inter-Korean relations, given his stated desire to improve ties with North Korea.
In the week preceding his White House visit, President Lee made a public statement about restoring the September 19 Military Agreement, originally signed in 2018. This agreement aimed to reduce military tensions along the border between North and South Korea by suspending military activities. Lee’s commitment to reviving this pact underscored his intention to pursue dialogue and reconciliation with Pyongyang.
The White House meeting between Presidents Trump and Lee occurred on Monday, the date of which is not specified in the source. During this meeting, key discussions revolved around North Korea and the US military presence in South Korea. Trump’s expression of interest in meeting Kim Jong Un again highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts, while his suggestion about US ownership of military base land introduced a complex financial aspect to the alliance.
During the White House meeting, Trump conveyed his desire to meet with Kim Jong Un, reflecting a potential continuation of diplomatic engagement with North Korea. He also raised the issue of US ownership of the land where US military bases are located in South Korea, adding a new dimension to the discussions between the two leaders. The source did not specify the exact date.
Official Reactions
- Donald Trump: “Someday, I’ll see him. I look forward to seeing him. He was very good with me.” (referring to Kim Jong Un)
- Donald Trump: “We spent a lot of money building a fort, and there was a contribution made by South Korea, but I would like to see if we could get rid of the lease and get ownership of the land where we have a massive military base.”
- Lee Jae-myung: said his North Korean counterpart “will be waiting” to meet him.
- Lee Jae-myung: “I hope you can bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, the only divided nation in the world, so that you can meet with Kim Jong Un”, and “build a Trump Tower in North Korea so that I can play golf there”
President Trump’s statement, “Someday, I’ll see him. I look forward to seeing him. He was very good with me,” reflects a positive sentiment towards Kim Jong Un based on their past interactions. This suggests a willingness to engage in further dialogue and potentially resume negotiations on denuclearization and security issues. The quote indicates a degree of personal rapport between the two leaders, which could facilitate future diplomatic efforts.
Trump’s remark about the US military bases in South Korea, “We spent a lot of money building a fort, and there was a contribution made by South Korea, but I would like to see if we could get rid of the lease and get ownership of the land where we have a massive military base,” introduces a financial aspect to the security alliance. This suggests a desire to renegotiate the terms of the agreement, potentially seeking greater control over the land and reducing the financial burden on the United States.
President Lee’s assertion that Kim Jong Un “will be waiting” to meet Trump conveys a sense of optimism regarding North Korea’s willingness to engage in diplomatic talks. This statement implies that Pyongyang is open to dialogue and may be receptive to further negotiations aimed at resolving tensions and addressing security concerns on the Korean Peninsula. However, it’s important to note that this statement is Lee’s interpretation and not a direct confirmation from North Korea.
President Lee also said, “I hope you can bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, the only divided nation in the world, so that you can meet with Kim Jong Un, and build a Trump Tower in North Korea so that I can play golf there.” This statement emphasizes the potential for Trump to play a pivotal role in achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, the reference to building a Trump Tower and playing golf adds a touch of levity and personal interest to the discussions.
What’s Next
The future of diplomatic engagement between the United States and North Korea remains uncertain. Several scenarios are possible, ranging from a resumption of talks to continued stalemate. Here are a few potential outcomes:
- Resumption of Talks: Given Trump’s expressed interest in meeting Kim Jong Un again, there is a possibility that diplomatic talks could resume in the coming months. This would depend on both sides demonstrating a willingness to negotiate and compromise on key issues, such as denuclearization and sanctions relief.
- Continued Stalemate: If neither side is willing to make concessions, the current stalemate could persist. This would mean continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula and a lack of progress towards resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.
- Escalation of Tensions: If diplomatic efforts fail and tensions continue to rise, there is a risk of escalation. This could involve increased military activity, further sanctions, or even a return to more confrontational rhetoric.
The possibility of a resumed dialogue between the United States and North Korea hinges on several factors, including the willingness of both sides to engage in constructive negotiations. If both countries demonstrate a commitment to finding common ground and addressing key issues, there is a potential for progress towards denuclearization and improved relations. However, the path forward remains uncertain and will require sustained effort and flexibility from all parties involved.
If diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked, the current state of tensions on the Korean Peninsula may persist. Without meaningful dialogue or compromise, the North Korean nuclear issue is likely to remain unresolved, leading to continued security concerns and regional instability. In this scenario, the United States and its allies may need to explore alternative strategies for managing the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
In a worst-case scenario, a breakdown of diplomatic efforts and a further deterioration of relations could lead to an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. This could involve increased military activity, further economic sanctions, or even a return to more confrontational rhetoric. Such a scenario would have serious consequences for regional security and stability, potentially leading to a crisis situation.
International Recognition (General Process)
International recognition is a multifaceted process by which a state acknowledges the existence of another state, government, or political entity. This recognition carries significant legal and political implications, influencing diplomatic relations, treaty obligations, and membership in international organizations. Recognition can be either explicit, through a formal declaration or treaty, or implicit, through actions such as exchanging diplomatic representatives or entering into bilateral agreements.
The criteria for recognition typically include the recognized entity’s effective control over a defined territory, a stable government capable of maintaining law and order, a population residing within the territory, and a willingness to abide by international law. However, political considerations often play a crucial role in the decision to recognize a new state or government. Recognition can be withheld for various reasons, such as concerns about human rights, democratic legitimacy, or territorial disputes.
The act of recognition is generally considered a discretionary act of each state, meaning that there is no legal obligation to recognize a particular entity. However, recognition can have significant consequences for the recognized entity, including access to international forums, the ability to enter into treaties, and the protection of its citizens abroad. Non-recognition, on the other hand, can lead to isolation, limited access to international assistance, and vulnerability to external threats.
In some cases, international recognition may be granted collectively through a resolution of the United Nations or another international organization. This can lend greater legitimacy to the recognized entity and strengthen its position in the international community. However, collective recognition is often difficult to achieve due to the diverse interests and political considerations of member states. The process of international recognition remains a complex and evolving aspect of international relations, shaped by both legal principles and political realities.
Methodology
The information presented in this article is based on a single source, Al Jazeera and news agencies. No additional sources were used. The details regarding the meeting between President Trump and President Lee, as well as the quotes from both leaders, are directly attributed to this source. The timeline of events and background information are derived from the facts presented in the source article.