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U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 2019. / Source: Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raising speculation about a possible U.S.-North Korea summit during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on October 27 en route from Malaysia to Japan, Trump said, “If Kim Jong Un wants to meet, I’m ready to meet him right now.” His remarks were reported by AFP and Kyodo News.

“I’d like to see Kim again — we know each other well,” Trump added, emphasizing the need to resume dialogue.

Trump is currently on a three-nation Asian tour that includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, where he will attend the APEC summit scheduled for October 29–30 in Gyeongju.

His comments have heightened expectations of an impromptu meeting with Kim during the APEC period. Before departing for Asia, Trump also said that if Kim were to reach out, “I’d be open to meeting him,” hinting at possible talks in the demilitarized zone (DMZ).

Recalling his past diplomacy with Pyongyang, Trump described North Korea as a “nuclear power,” signaling both recognition and caution. North Korea has yet to issue an official response to his latest remarks.

Observers say Trump’s statements are part of a broader diplomatic strategy to reclaim momentum in dialogue with Pyongyang ahead of the high-profile APEC gathering. However, with U.S. sanctions still in place and North Korea maintaining silence, analysts note that the prospect of an actual summit depends on Pyongyang’s willingness to respond.