(Yonhap Interview) PM says Trump′s attendance at APEC summit could lead to discussion of Korean Peninsula issues

▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok gives an interview to Yonhap News Agency at the government complex in Seoul on July 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok gives an interview to Yonhap News Agency at the government complex in Seoul on July 18, 2025. (Yonhap)

(Yonhap Interview) PM-APEC summit

(Yonhap Interview) PM says Trump's attendance at APEC summit could lead to discussion of Korean Peninsula issues

SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's possible attendance at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea could lead to a discussion of Korean Peninsula issues, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has said.

Kim made the remark in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency on Friday after returning from two visits to the APEC summit venue in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

As head of the summit preparation committee, the prime minister checked preparations for the event, which will bring together the leaders of the 21 APEC economies for their annual meeting in October.

"Whether it's accommodation, culture, the service or planning, it has to go beyond common sense expectations so that people can feel the class of the Republic of Korea," Kim said.

"I plan to set specific goals so that after APEC ends, there is a clear increase in the number of domestic and foreign visitors to Gyeongju and the Republic of Korea, and part of the reason can be attributed to APEC," he added.

Earlier this month, President Lee Jae Myung sent official invitation letters to the 20 other APEC leaders, outlining the key agenda of the summit, which will be held under the theme of "Sustainable Future."

When asked about the likelihood of the attendance of Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Kim said it will depend on the all-out efforts of the South Korean government, including President Lee.

"Ulsan, which is close to Gyeongju, is known for its shipbuilding industry, and shipbuilding is one of President Trump's biggest interests," he noted. "If he visits, it will be very meaningful. I think we have to be prepared for all possibilities and also have a selling point ready."

The summit has led to cautious hope of a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the occasion and a trilateral summit involving the two Koreas and the U.S.

"If President Trump attends, we can expect some discussion and progress on Korean Peninsula issues as well," the prime minister said. "Inviting North Korea is a separate issue that requires political judgment. Whatever the case, we will be preparing to handle it."

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