"Closely Communicating with the Trump Side"
Shin Won-sik, Director of the National Security Office, stated on the 24th, "When President Yoon Suk-yeol spoke with President-elect Donald Trump on the 7th, it was Trump who first suggested meeting before the inauguration, about three to four times."
Director Shin appeared on Yonhap News TV that afternoon and said, "I was seated right next to them during the call between the two leaders," confirming this.
He added, "After that, the Trump transition team, considering personnel appointments, domestic issues, preparations before the inauguration, and the fact that several countries wanted to meet in advance, basically established the principle of not meeting foreign leaders before the inauguration." He continued, "In any case, we are maintaining close communication with the Trump transition team and will continue to do so."
Regarding the agenda for a meeting between President Yoon and President-elect Trump, he said, "Whether they meet before or after the inauguration, the agenda will broadly cover the overall Korea-US alliance," adding, "We expect comprehensive and close dialogue on economic issues, cooperation in advanced technology, and major regional issues."
On the possibility of North Korea launching a reconnaissance satellite, he stated, "There are no imminent signs yet, but it is in the final preparation stage," and added, "I believe there is a high possibility of a launch soon, before the end of the year." Regarding North Korea's plan to launch three reconnaissance satellites this year, he assessed, "Launching three or four times will be difficult for now," explaining, "It has been six months since the May launch, and it seems North Korea is taking time to integrate its command system while developing a new launch system."
About the technology North Korea received from Russia, he said, "Recently, to reinforce the vulnerable air defense network in Pyongyang, related equipment and surface-to-air missiles have been imported from Russia and are confirmed to be deployed near Pyongyang." He also noted, "In addition to military support as compensation for dispatching troops, economic compensation such as energy and food supplies is also continuing."
Regarding the possibility of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un visiting Russia, he said, "I do not think it is possible to rule out," adding, "It could be a reciprocal visit following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in June, and a courtesy to thank Putin for North Korea's troop dispatch."
Concerning the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announcement on the 21st that the highly enriched uranium (HEU) production facility visited by Kim Jong-un in September appears to be the undeclared Gangson complex near Pyongyang, he said, "That is largely true."
Regarding the possibility of Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting South Korea, Director Shin said, "There is a high possibility of a visit next year in connection with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju," adding, "For reference, since China will be the chair country in 2026 following us, I think that possibility is even higher."
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