US Promotes North America Summit, Kim Yo-jong Leaves Room for Dialogue

Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director, Rejects Summit Meeting... Emphasizes Need for Corresponding US Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Following U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also raised the possibility of an 'October Surprise.' In response, Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea (photo), clearly expressed a refusal to hold a North Korea-U.S. summit on the surface while leaving room for dialogue, drawing attention to future developments.

On the 9th (local time), Secretary Pompeo stated in a phone conference with the media that when asked about the possibility of a third North Korea-U.S. summit before the U.S. presidential election, "I do not want to talk about it today," but expressed a strong hope to continue dialogue.

He further hinted at the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. meeting using the term "high-level leaders," saying, "I do not want to comment on ongoing talks with one party." Although he was extremely reserved, this is seen as suggesting that undisclosed communication between North Korea and the U.S. is taking place for a high-level meeting.

In response to Pompeo's remarks, North Korea once again clearly rejected the North Korea-U.S. summit through a statement by Kim Yo-jong on the 10th. The North Korean state media, Korean Central News Agency, reported that Kim Yo-jong said, "(The summit) is something the U.S. side needs, but it is useless to us," and added, "Although this is just my personal opinion, I believe that a North Korea-U.S. summit will not take place this year."

However, Kim Yo-jong stated, "We are not saying that we will never denuclearize, but we are making it clear that we cannot do so now." This appears to indicate that North Korea also has the intention to denuclearize and that significant reciprocal measures from the U.S. are necessary, leaving the possibility of dialogue open.

Kim Yo-jong emphasized, "We are not saying that we will never denuclearize, but we are making it clear that we cannot do so now," and reminded that "(U.S.) irreversible significant measures must be taken simultaneously." She also stated that there is no intention to reconsider the 'Yongbyon dismantlement-partial sanctions relief' card.