Kim Jong-un Reflects on Trump, Rejects Nuclear Negotiations

On Sunday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shared that he has “good personal memories” of his past encounters with President Donald Trump. He suggested there isn’t much point in resuming discussions with the United States since the new administration took over.

His comments came during an address published by the North Korean state news agency KCNA, which portrayed the country’s supposed grievances against a “rubber-stamping Congress” that simply follows orders from its leaders.

Kim’s fond recollections of Trump seemed to respond positively to Trump’s recent remarks about their “very good relationship” and expressed desire to meet Kim again. Yet, Kim firmly dismissed any idea of negotiating over North Korea’s nuclear weapons, insisting that they require these weapons as a deterrent against perceived threats from the U.S. and South Korea.

“We will never throw away nuclear weapons,” Kim emphasized, asserting that there have been no negotiations aimed at trading them for sanctions. He criticized the U.S., stating that the world knows what happens when nations forsake their nuclear arsenals, vowing that North Korea would not follow suit.

Additionally, Kim stated he has no intention to engage in talks with South Korea, largely due to the current leadership under left-leaning President Lee Jae-myeong, especially compared to his hawkish predecessor, Yoon Sook-yeol. Trump had indicated interest in meeting Kim again after a discussion with Lee at the White House last August.

In a recent interview, President Lee expressed support for Trump’s approach toward Kim, though he did not believe substantial conversations were taking place between Washington and Pyongyang at that moment. He acknowledged the unlikelihood of immediate direct talks resuming between Seoul and Pyongyang while still aspiring to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee mentioned that North Korea currently has around 15-20 nuclear warheads, supporting a potential agreement between Trump and Kim to halt new weapon production as a realistic alternative to complete denuclearization. He underscored the importance of approaching negotiations with practical goals instead of clinging to the challenging ultimate aim of total disarmament.

Lee pointed out that Trump and Kim seem to have established some mutual trust, making him content to let Trump manage future discussions. He expressed hope that such negotiations could help prevent North Korea from forging closer alliances with China and Russia, which he viewed as concerning for South Korea’s security interests.

He articulated the dilemma facing South Korea: it finds itself wedged between competing geopolitical influences and aims to maintain a balanced approach while remaining engaged with both the U.S. and Japan.