The unification ministry said that the door remains open for a possible U.S.-North Korea summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this month.
 
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said during a parliamentary audit on Tuesday that both leaders appear ready for talks, adding that the final decision rests with U.S. President Donald Trump.

He noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has indicated a willingness to meet Trump if the discussions focus on peaceful coexistence, adding that Panmunjom is the most likely location.

Chung likened the situation to 2018, when Pyongyang opened discussions with Washington after declaring the completion of its nuclear program, describing it as a potential “deja vu" moment.

He added that North Korea has continued to advance its nuclear capabilities despite years of sanctions and pressure and questioned the effectiveness of the current approach.