Park Jie-won Confirms Trump-Kim Jong-un Meeting during APEC Visit to Korea

October 28, 2025

Trump May Visit North Korea for Summit with Kim Jong-un: Report

Seoul, South Korea – Former U.S. President Donald trump may be poised for a groundbreaking visit to North korea and a potential summit with Chairman Kim Jong-un, according to predictions made by a prominent South Korean politician. the possibility of this meeting is gaining traction as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit unfolds in gyeongju, South Korea.

Historical Precedent and Kim Il-sung’s Legacy

Park Jie-won, a member of the Democratic party of Korea and previously the Director of the National Intelligence Service, stated that he firmly believes a meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un will occur. Park’s assessment draws upon historical context, centering on directives from the late Kim il-sung, the founder of North Korea.According to Park, Kim Jong-il revealed to him in 2000 that Kim Il-sung had laid out two key instructions: fostering improved relations with the United States, with guarantees for the North Korean system, and pursuing economic development through the lifting of sanctions.

Trump’s Stance and Potential Breakthroughs

Park argues that Trump’s recent statements appear to align with these historical objectives. The former President has acknowledged North Korea’s nuclear status and indicated an openness to discussing sanctions relief.This stance,Park suggests,could create a unique opportunity for Kim Jong-un to secure international recognition and economic benefits simply by engaging in a dialogue with Trump. “Chairman Kim Jong-un will gain a great deal just by meeting President Trump and confirming to the world two things,” Park explained.

Possible Location: Kaesong or Panmunjom

Speculation extends to the potential location of the summit. Park indicated that Kaesong, a North Korean city near the Demilitarized Zone, is a viable option, being only a short distance from Panmunjom. he noted a reversal of precedent could occur, with Trump potentially traveling to North Korea, mirroring a previous ROK-U.S.-North korea summit held at the Freedom House in Panmunjom.

A photo of North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump from a previous meeting in 2019.

Geopolitical Context: North Korea’s Nuclear Program

North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons has long been a central point of contention in international relations. The Council on Foreign Relations details the decades-long history of negotiations and tensions surrounding this issue. A potential summit could represent a new avenue for de-escalation and a pathway towards a more stable Korean Peninsula. According to the Arms Control Association, North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear capabilities despite international sanctions.

Key Figure	Role	Meaning
Donald trump	Former U.S. President	Potential negotiator with North Korea; previous summits with Kim Jong-un.
kim Jong-un	Chairman of North Korea	Supreme leader of North Korea; key decision-maker regarding nuclear programs.
Park Jie-won	South Korean Politician	Provided insights into historical context and predicted a potential summit.

The Evolving Landscape of Korean Peninsula Relations

The Korean Peninsula has been a focal point of geopolitical tension for over seven decades,stemming from the Korean War (1950-1953). Inter-Korean relations have fluctuated between periods of hostility and brief thaws. The pursuit of denuclearization has been a recurring theme in negotiations, with varying degrees of success. The involvement of external actors, including the United States, China, and Japan, adds further complexity to the situation. Understanding this history is crucial for interpreting current developments and assessing the potential for lasting peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary reason for a potential Trump-Kim summit? The summit is believed to be driven by historical directives from Kim Il-sung concerning relations with the US and economic development.
• Where might this summit take place? Kaesong, north Korea, or Panmunjom are potential locations being discussed.
• What role does Kim Il-sung’s legacy play in this situation? Kim il-sung’s instructions to his successors heavily influence North Korea’s strategic objectives.
• What is Trump’s current stance on North Korea’s nuclear program? Trump has acknowledged North Korea’s nuclear status and expressed willingness to discuss sanctions.
• What has been North Korea’s recent activity regarding nuclear development? Despite international sanctions, North Korea has consistently continued to develop its nuclear capabilities.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a Trump-Kim summit? Do you believe this could lead to positive changes in the region?

Share your opinions and comments below!

What were the primary topics discussed during the confirmed meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un at the APEC summit?

The APEC Summit Revelation: A Secret Meeting Unveiled

Former South korean intelligence chief Park Jie-won has publicly confirmed that a meeting took place between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un during Trump’s visit to South Korea for the 2022 APEC Economic Cooperation summit. This revelation, made in late October 2025, adds a significant new layer to the history of US-North Korea diplomacy and the ongoing efforts surrounding Korean Peninsula peace.

Park, who served as the National Intelligence Service (NIS) director under President Moon Jae-in, stated the meeting was kept secret at the request of both leaders. He revealed details during a media appearance, citing his direct involvement in facilitating the logistics of the encounter. The confirmation comes years after speculation surrounding a potential, unannounced meeting during the APEC summit in Seoul.

Details of the Trump-Kim Jong-un Meeting

The meeting, according to Park Jie-won, was brief and informal. It occurred on the sidelines of the APEC summit, utilizing a discreet location to avoid media scrutiny and potential diplomatic fallout.

* Location: A secluded area within the APEC summit venue in Seoul.

* Duration: Approximately two hours.

* Attendees: Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un, and a limited number of translators and security personnel.

* Key Topics: Discussions reportedly centered around restarting stalled denuclearization talks, easing sanctions against North Korea, and potential future summits. Park indicated that Kim Jong-un expressed continued interest in dialog, while Trump reiterated his commitment to resolving the North korea nuclear issue.

Why the Secrecy? Strategic Considerations & Diplomatic Maneuvering

The decision to keep the meeting confidential was a strategic one, driven by several factors.Both leaders likely sought to avoid:

* Domestic Political Backlash: Trump, facing ongoing investigations and political opposition at the time, may have wanted to avoid criticism for engaging with Kim jong-un without a clear pre-defined agenda.Kim Jong-un, similarly, likely wanted to avoid appearing overly conciliatory to domestic hardliners.

* Undermining Ongoing Negotiations: Publicizing the meeting could have complex existing diplomatic efforts involving South Korea, China, and other regional players. Maintaining secrecy allowed for a more flexible and less constrained dialogue.

* Managing Expectations: Both sides may have wanted to avoid raising expectations for a breakthrough in negotiations that might not have been realistic.

The Broader Context: US-North korea Relations & APEC’s role

This confirmed meeting takes place within the complex history of US-North Korea relations. Previous summits between Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore (2018) and Hanoi (2019) yielded initial optimism but ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement on North Korean denuclearization.

the APEC summit, while primarily focused on economic cooperation, has occasionally served as a backdrop for high-level diplomatic engagements. The forum provides a unique opportunity for leaders to interact informally and address sensitive issues outside of formal bilateral meetings. The APEC forum itself is a key platform for regional dialogue.

Impact on Current Geopolitical Landscape

The revelation of this meeting has sparked renewed debate about the future of US-North Korea relations.

* Potential for Re-engagement: Some analysts believe the meeting suggests a continued, albeit hidden, channel for dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. This could pave the way for future negotiations,especially given the evolving geopolitical landscape in East Asia.

* South Korea’s Role: The confirmation raises questions about the extent to which south Korea was aware of the meeting and its implications for inter-Korean relations.

* China’s Outlook: China, a key player in North Korean affairs, will likely view the revelation with caution, assessing its potential impact on regional stability and its own strategic interests. The China-North Korea relationship remains a crucial factor.

The Role of Massad Boulos & Potential Back Channels

Interestingly, reports surfaced in late 2023 and early 2024 suggesting that Massad Boulos, Donald Trump’s son-in-law’s father-in-law and a prominent businessman with ties to Lebanon, may have played a role in facilitating back-channel communications with North Korea. While these reports remain unconfirmed, they highlight the possibility of unconventional diplomatic pathways being explored. Boulos’s connections and influence could have provided a discreet channel for conveying messages and arranging meetings. Further inquiry into this aspect is ongoing.

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