South Korea is weighing the possibility of inviting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, due to be held in Gyeongju this autumn, according to reports from local media.
Kang Hun-sik, chief of staff to the South Korean president, said discussions about extending an invitation were ongoing. He noted that US President Donald Trump had expressed interest in talks with Kim Jong Un, with discussions now centered on the timing, location, and format of a potential meeting.
The Yonhap news agency reported that Seoul is leaning toward inviting the North Korean leader to the summit, scheduled for 31 October to 1 November. During a recent meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on 25 August, Trump also suggested he might attend the Gyeongju gathering.
Kang added that South Korea had prior intelligence regarding Kim Jong-un’s expected visit to China for events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Beijing will host a large-scale military parade on 3 September to commemorate the Chinese victory over Japan, with Russian President Vladimir Putin among the international guests. South Korea will be represented at the event by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, the country’s second-highest-ranking official.
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