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| ▲ South Korea's Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha speaks during a press meeting at the Korea Cultural Center in Washington on Feb. 24, 2026. (Yonhap) |
ambassador-N Korea
S. Korea keeps 'all possibilities' in mind on U.S.-N.K. dialogue during Trump's China visit: Seoul envoy
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is keeping a close watch on developments related to the possible resumption of dialogue between the United States and North Korea during President Donald Trump's planned visit to China, its top envoy in Washington said Tuesday, noting Seoul is keeping "all possibilities" in mind.
Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha made the remarks during a press meeting, as Trump reportedly plans to visit China from late next month to early April for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid speculation that he could attempt to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un while in Asia.
"Regarding the possibility of North Korea-U.S. dialogue, we are paying close attention to related developments while keeping all possibilities in mind," Kang said.
"We are monitoring the situation, taking into account various factors, including the developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, the relations between the U.S. and China and the relations between North Korea and China," she added.
Her remarks came as Seoul's top nuclear envoy, Jeong Yeon-doo, was set to arrive in Washington on Tuesday for a four-day visit for talks with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and other Washington officials to discuss Korean Peninsula issues.
His visit coincides with the ninth congress of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, a key political event where the North Korean leader is expected to put forward his regime's policy direction on diplomacy, defense and other key state issues.
The ambassador underscored that South Korea has been communicating with the U.S. National Security Council, the State Department and other agencies in Washington on a regular basis to discuss North Korea-related developments.
"The U.S. has consistently said that there is no change in its policy toward North Korea, and that it will closely communicate (with South Korea) before and after the fact to ensure that there won't be anything that will catch Seoul off guard," Kang said.
Touching on the Trump administration's imposition of a new global tariff, Kang said that her embassy will support efforts to ensure that related consultations between South Korea and the U.S. can take place in an amicable atmosphere.
The Trump administration began implementing the temporary 10 percent tariff on Tuesday as part of efforts to replace the sweeping emergency tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down on Friday. It is expected to raise the rate to 15 percent as Trump has threatened to do so.
"As to the Supreme Court ruling, our government plans to respond in a way that best serves national interests," Kang said.
She also pointed out "uncertainty" over tariff refund procedures.
"(We) will have close consultations with (South Korean) companies operating in the U.S. and economic organizations to ensure that correct information (on the refund matter) can be disseminated to Korean enterprises in a timely manner," she said.
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