In a recent Fox News interview, former US President Donald Trump stated that he plans to reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again. Trump, who previously met with Kim three times during his presidency, described him as a “smart guy.” The two leaders shared a rare diplomatic relationship, with Trump even saying they “fell in love” during their meetings.
Despite the attention the meetings gained, efforts to reach a lasting agreement on North Korea’s nuclear program did not succeed. Trump’s former Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, acknowledged that these talks failed to stop North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
When asked if he would contact Kim again, Trump replied affirmatively, noting, “He liked me.”
North Korea has long claimed that its nuclear program is necessary to protect itself from threats posed by the US and its allies, including South Korea. The Korean War from 1950-1953 ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, which means the two Koreas are technically still at war.
During the interview, Trump also recalled his efforts to strike a nuclear arms deal with Russia and China towards the end of his first term. According to Trump, he was close to finalizing an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on nuclear arms limitations before the 2020 US election interrupted the process.
In response to Trump’s remarks, South Korea’s defense ministry reaffirmed its position that North Korea’s status as a nuclear power is not recognized and that they will continue working with the US to achieve denuclearization.