Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could meet with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit later this month, potentially at the border village of Panmunjom, as suggested by the unification minister on Tuesday. Minister Chung Dong-young mentioned this possibility during a parliamentary audit session in response to a question from Rep. Yoon Hu-duk of the ruling Democratic Party.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister Chung stated that based on the analysis of open information and data, both the U.S. and North Korean leaders appear ready for talks. He noted that Kim's remarks about having "good memories" of Trump indicate a conditional willingness to meet. Kim had previously expressed that North Korea is open to talks with the U.S. if the demand for denuclearization is dropped.

President Trump is expected to visit South Korea in late October for APEC events in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. Minister Chung emphasized that the key factor now is President Trump's determination, with Panmunjom, the inter-Korean truce village located on the border between the two Koreas, being the most likely venue for the potential meeting.