South Korea Urges Trump and Kim Jong Un to Meet During Asia Trip Amid Tensions

South Korea’s unification minister Chung Dong-young has urged U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet during Trump’s upcoming Asia trip, with the minister emphasizing that such a meeting would significantly benefit North Korea’s international standing and improve the lives of its people.

The call for a bold decision came as Trump prepares to depart for a five-day trip to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with the timing of the visit coinciding with heightened tensions. North Korea’s recent launches of ballistic missiles days before the visit further underscore the urgency of the situation.

Chung expressed that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula can only be achieved through direct engagement with Trump, suggesting that the U.S. president’s presence offers a rare opportunity for meaningful diplomacy.

During Trump’s previous visit to the region, the leaders had met at the Demilitarized Zone in June 2019. However, tensions have since resurfaced, with North Korea’s latest missile tests indicating a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape.

White House officials have reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to engaging with Kim Jong Un, stating that the U.S. policy remains unchanged since the first term. The official noted that Trump’s previous summits contributed to stabilization on the Korean Peninsula, highlighting the potential for renewed dialogue.

Kim Jong Un’s recent remarks about having