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Foreign Minister Cho Hyun attends a plenary meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee at the National Assembly on August 19, answering questions regarding the early conclusion of Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS). / Yonhap News

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on August 19, regarding speculation over a potential U.S.-North Korea summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, "I believe it will take place if Chairman Kim Jong-un desires it."

Attending a plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that day, Minister Cho answered a query on the possibility of a summit during the Shenzhen APEC, stating, "Since President Trump's courtship message was sent, I believe that if Chairman Kim desires it, it will happen in whatever format, and the government also views this as desirable."

Minister Cho also assessed that President Trump's directive to scale down the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise has created a new turning point for establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula. "As this phase began with President Trump's Truth Social message, I believe it will serve as a crucial breakthrough in inter-Korean relations," Minister Cho said, adding, "We will consult closely with the U.S. side to avoid missing this opportunity, and we have conveyed this stance to Washington."

Regarding President Trump's intentions, the minister analyzed that complex motives likely lie behind the move, including delays in South Korea's investments in the U.S., pressure related to requests for military involvement in Middle East conflicts, complaints over the costs of joint military drills, and a desire to pursue dialogue with North Korea.

However, Minister Cho stated that there was no prior coordination with U.S. authorities regarding President Trump's directive to downsize UFS, explaining that the government learned of it through President Trump's social media. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempted to verify the matter immediately following the post through various South Korea-U.S. communication channels—including the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the South Korean Embassy in the U.S.—but discovered that U.S. authorities had also not been aware in advance.

Responding to opposition criticism calling the failure to detect President Trump's directive in advance a diplomatic failure, Minister Cho countered, "Not only our government but also U.S. government officials were unaware. The U.S. Department of State, which has more than ten times the personnel of our foreign ministry, was completely in the dark." He added, "As unexpected announcements of U.S. policy occur frequently, it is necessary to look at how European Union nations and other allies have responded."

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed hope regarding President Trump's message, saying it could provide momentum to resolve inter-Korean issues.

During the plenary committee meeting that day, Minister Chung said, "President Trump's directive to scale down South Korea-U.S. joint exercises stems from deliberate contemplation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "The Ministry of Unification shares President Trump's resolute decision, and we hope this unfolds into meaningful U.S.-North Korea dialogue and extends to improvements in inter-Korean relations."

                                                                                                           Mok Yong-jae