Bob Woodward's New Book Reveals 27 Letters Between Trump and Kim
CNN Reports on Two Letters
Flattering Address Using "Gakha"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] It has been revealed that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, in a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, praised President Trump and emphasized their personal relationship while urging a decisive commitment to the North Korea-U.S. summit and denuclearization negotiations.
On the 9th (local time), CNN broadcasted the contents of two of the 27 letters exchanged between President Trump and Chairman Kim, which were secured for American journalist Woodward's new book "Rage."
In the letter dated December 25, 2018, Chairman Kim addressed President Trump as "Your Excellency," expressing warmth and requesting influence over the negotiation of the venue for the second North Korea-U.S. summit.
At that time, the North Korea-U.S. relationship was strained following the first summit, and negotiations for the second summit were underway. Chairman Kim conveyed New Year greetings, stating, "It has been 200 days since the historic North Korea-U.S. summit held in Singapore. I cannot forget that historic moment when I firmly held Your Excellency's hand in that beautiful and sacred place. As I mentioned then, it is a great honor to have established a wonderful relationship with someone like Your Excellency."
Chairman Kim further instructed to accelerate preparations for the second North Korea-U.S. summit, saying, "As Your Excellency frankly mentioned, the whole world will soon witness another historic meeting with Your Excellency that will remind them of a scene from a fantasy movie."
However, he also emphasized that they would not act solely according to the U.S.'s wishes. Chairman Kim stated, "If both sides stubbornly insist on their own positions regarding the summit venue, it may not reflect positively on us and could waste time. Let us urgently hold a high-level meeting to discuss and coordinate the issue of the summit venue."
Following this letter, both sides agreed to hold the second North Korea-U.S. summit in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
In a letter dated June 10, 2019, Chairman Kim congratulated President Trump on his birthday and expressed anticipation for a third summit rather than dissatisfaction over the failure of the second summit.
He mentioned, "Every moment shared in Singapore and Hanoi remains a precious memory and a glorious moment. The unwavering precious memories will be the driving force that leads us to walk toward each other again someday."
Chairman Kim continued, "I believe that the deep and special friendship between us will be a magical power that overcomes all obstacles and leads the development of North Korea-U.S. relations."
He also noted that President Trump took a unique approach that no one else attempted to solve the problem, mentioning new approaches and courage. He emphasized that if the U.S. side does not take a more progressive approach in the North Korean nuclear negotiations, the prospects for resolving the issue are bleak, urging the U.S. to make a decisive move.
He further predicted, "Someday, we will sit together and great things will happen. That day must come again. It can be recorded as another fantastic moment."
After this letter, President Trump requested a meeting with Chairman Kim via Twitter, and the North Korea-U.S. summit meeting at Panmunjom was held on June 30.
CNN reported that Woodward revealed, "President Trump was captivated by Chairman Kim's flattery."
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