North Korea prepares for potential summit with the US and intensifies intelligence gathering on American officials
According to multiple sources, including Bloomberg and South Korean intelligence agencies, North Korea is actively gearing up for a possible meeting between its leader, Kim Jong-un, and US President Donald Trump.
This development has gained particular relevance amid hopes for renewing diplomatic relations after six years since the last face-to-face summit.
The South Korean National Intelligence Service reports that Pyongyang has already collected intelligence on key US diplomats and officials working behind the scenes on nuclear and security matters, potentially using this intelligence to shape its strategic approach to the impending talks.
North Korea’s Foreign Minister, Choe Son-hui, discussed the possibility of visiting Russia, but this depends on whether the planned summit with Trump occurs in October.
Meanwhile, Pyongyang remains interested in strengthening cooperation with China and Russia, which could assist in reshaping its diplomatic strategy.
Politicians such as Pak Sun-won indicate a high likelihood that the US and North Korea may depart from previous stances and re-engage in negotiations, especially given North Korea’s expanding ties with Moscow and Beijing.
Kim Jong-un has also expressed openness to future meetings but insists that Washington and Seoul abandon their demands for complete denuclearization as a prerequisite.
This stance underscores his desire to legitimize North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and reconfigure diplomacy to preserve his regime’s authority.
The collaboration between the US and South Korea continues through joint military exercises, which, according to initial reports, could serve as a catalyst for new negotiations with North Korea, potentially scheduled for the first quarter of next year.