Trump May Seek Dialogue with Kim Jong-un Post-January 20 Inauguration, 'Small Deal' on Nuclear Program: South Korea's Intelligence

Jan 13, 2025, 10:15 AM

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has indicated that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may seek dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un following his inauguration on January 20. The NIS suggests that Trump views his previous summits with Kim as major achievements from his first term and could pursue a 'small deal' on North Korea's nuclear program if complete denuclearization in a short period is deemed unfeasible. The agency also noted that Trump's appointment of Richard Grenell as a special envoy and Alex Wong as a key White House adviser could facilitate such dialogue. Additionally, the NIS mentioned that North Korea has taken a hardline stance against the incoming Trump administration, as evidenced by personnel changes made at the end of last year.