A member of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's inner circle is reportedly heading to the United States as preparations continue for a possible U.S.-North Korea summit. 

Kim Yong-chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party, arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport at ten a.m. Tuesday aboard an Air Koryo flight. His name was found to have been on a list of passengers who will board a flight to New York at one p.m. on Wednesday. 

Initially, Kim and his delegation were said to have booked a flight bound for Washington that was scheduled to depart later on Tuesday but changed that flight shortly after arriving in Beijing.

During his stay in the U.S., Kim is highly likely to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, following two recent visits by Pompeo to Pyongyang. 

Kim was the only official who was present during the second summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held last Saturday.

[Photo : YONHAP News]