Trump's Latest Statement: Kim Jong-un Has Responded to 'Dialogue' Request

According to The Guardian, U.S. President Trump said on the 17th (Monday) that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to his 'dialogue' request.

When asked by reporters why Kim Jong-un had not responded to his dialogue overture, Trump replied, 'How do you know he hasn't responded?'

When pressed, 'Has he responded?', Trump paused briefly and said, 'Yes, he has responded.'

Asked about the current stage of dialogue between the U.S. and Kim Jong-un, Trump described it as 'very positive,' though he provided no further details.

He stated, 'Kim Jong-un has always been very respectful toward me,' adding, 'I understand him, and he understands me.'

Trump then remarked, 'South Korea has been protected by our country for decades.'

He criticized South Korea again for refusing to participate in the Iran conflict, saying, 'We have troops stationed there, protecting South Korea from neighboring threats, yet they refuse to assist in what is a very simple military operation regarding Iran. That's strange.'

Trump said, 'All I want is fairness.'

NBC noted that while the U.S. and South Korea are close allies, Trump announced on the 16th that he had ordered a 'significant reduction' in the scale of joint military exercises.

On the 17th, an official from South Korea's presidential office, the Blue House, responded, stating that the two countries have maintained close coordination on maintaining a strong joint defense posture and military drills, and will continue to collaborate on specific matters.

The official expressed hope that the positive relationship between North Korea and the U.S. leaders could lead to meaningful dialogue and advance discussions on peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Regarding the Middle East conflict, the official said South Korea has actively participated in international discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire in Iran and restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and is closely consulting with the U.S. on feasible military contributions, taking into account the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures.

The South Korean and U.S. militaries launched the routine joint military exercise codenamed 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) on the 17th, which will continue until the 27th. This year's exercise will incorporate training insights derived from recent warfare analyses. The scale of South Korean participation is similar to previous years, with approximately 18,000 personnel involved.