(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim, Trump could meet on occasion of APEC summit in S. Korea: unification minister

▲ Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks during a parliamentary audit session on Oct. 14, 2025. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) NK leader-Trump-talks

(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim, Trump could meet on occasion of APEC summit in S. Korea: unification minister

(ATTN: ADDS more details in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit later this month, possibility at the border village of Panmunjom, the unification minister suggested Tuesday.

Minister Chung Dong-young raised the possibility during a parliamentary audit session in response to a question by Rep. Yoon Hu-duk of the ruling Democratic Party.

"Based on the analysis of open information and data, both the U.S. and North Korean leaders appear ready (for talks)," he said, adding that Kim's remarks about having "good memories" of Trump indicate he is conditionally willing to meet him.

Kim made the remarks at a key parliamentary meeting last month, noting that North Korea is open to talks with the U.S. if its demand for the North's denuclearization is dropped.

Trump is expected to visit South Korea in late October to attend APEC events in the southeastern South Korean city of Gyeongju.

"Now, the key lies in the determination of President Trump," the minister said, citing the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, located on the border between the two Koreas, as the most likely venue for the meeting.

Chung claimed the summit could take place if Trump expresses willingness to hold discussions on South Korea-U.S. military exercises, which Pyongyang has long condemned as preparations for an invasion against it.

The minister also said the North's leader is the only person in his country who can make a decision on resolving the issue of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, noting his ministry believes an inter-Korean summit must take place within 2026.

Chung, however, said it would realistically be difficult to push for a summit before South Korea's local elections scheduled for June next year.

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