Trump praises North Korean leader during first meeting with South Korean President
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U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first Oval Office meeting with new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, sparking fresh attention on his stance toward Pyongyang.
According to The Guardian, Trump brought up Kim early in the meeting, saying he knew the North Korean leader “better than anybody, almost, other than his sister.”
He recalled his three meetings with Kim during his first term and signaled interest in a future encounter. “I’d like to have a meeting. I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un in the appropriate future,” Trump said.
Trump added that Kim “was very good with me” and expressed hope that talks could happen later this year. “I had a very good relationship with the North Korean leader and hope it stays that way,” Trump told reporters.
When asked if he would return to the demilitarised zone (DMZ), Trump launched into an extended reflection: “I’d love to … I spent a lot of time with him, talking about things that we aren’t probably supposed to talk about. I get along with him really well; he has a country of great potential, tremendous potential.”
His warm words for Kim came despite the North Korean leader’s refusal to engage in denuclearisation talks and his pledge to accelerate his nuclear weapons program, while condemning recent U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises.
President Lee, listening patiently, responded by saying Trump was the “only person” capable of ending the decades-long standoff between the two Koreas. “I look forward to your meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un and the construction of Trump Tower in North Korea and playing golf,” he remarked.
The meeting also followed Trump’s sharp criticism of Lee’s administration over its handling of investigations into former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and ousted from office. On Truth Social, Trump had posted, “What is going on in South Korea? Seems like a purge or revolution. We can’t have that and do business there.”
However, about half an hour into his talks with Lee, Trump softened his stance, suggesting, “I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding,” and adding that “there is a rumour going around.”