Kim Jong Un’s awkward answer then Trump asked to meet him in South Korea

As Donald Trump embarks on his high-profile Asia tour, the former U.S. president has made no secret of his desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un once again. Trump, recalling their unlikely 2018–2019 rapport, expressed hope that old diplomatic sparks could reignite — even amid lingering tensions and recent missile tests.

Trump reminisced about his past meetings with Kim, describing a personal bond that surprised the world. “I like him. He likes me… And then we fell in love. OK? No, really! He wrote me beautiful letters. And they’re great letters,” Trump said, recalling the historic moment when he stepped into North Korean territory alongside Kim in 2019.

Ahead of his stops in Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I just had a good relationship with him. I would love to see him, if he wants to, if he even gets this message. If he’d like to meet, I’d love to meet him.” He added with a grin, “If you want to put out the word, I’m open to it. If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea.”

So far, Pyongyang has remained quiet. U.S. and South Korean officials confirmed no formal meeting has been scheduled, and Kim Jong Un’s government hasn’t responded to Trump’s outreach. However, Kim recently hinted at a potential dialogue — on his terms. State media reported Kim stating he would consider a U.S. meeting if Washington abandons its “absurd obsession with denuclearizing us” and seeks genuine peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, Kim showed no interest in inter-Korean talks, leaving South Korea in a delicate position.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung remains cautiously optimistic. Since taking office in June, Lee believes Trump’s involvement could help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. “Trump’s outreach has created a significant sense of warmth and peace,” Lee said, even as North Korea conducted cruise missile tests shortly before Trump’s arrival in Seoul.

Trump acknowledged the missed opportunity but remained hopeful: “I know Kim Jong Un very well… we really weren’t able to work out timing. At some point, we’ll be involved with North Korea. I think they’d like to, and I’d like to.” He also emphasized discussions with South Korea could help “straighten out” inter-Korean relations, signaling that diplomatic channels remain open.

Trump’s Asia tour highlights the unpredictable nature of international diplomacy and the enduring curiosity about his unconventional ties with Kim Jong Un. While a reunion hasn’t materialized yet, the world continues to watch every move closely.

Follow the story to see if Trump and Kim could meet again — and what it could mean for peace on the Korean Peninsula.