South Korea APEC discussions gained attention as officials ruled out the possibility of Kim Jong-un joining the summit. President Lee Jae Myung’s top security adviser Wi Sung-lac firmly stated that Kim would not attend the international meeting in Gyeongju.
Wi spoke at a press briefing in Seoul, where he explained the reasoning behind the decision. He also dismissed the idea that the summit could become a stage for Kim to meet former US President Donald Trump. While Wi expressed hope for Trump’s presence, he acknowledged that the visit remains unconfirmed. Later, US officials confirmed that Lee and Trump plan to meet during the event.
Wi pointed out that North Korea shows little intention of engaging with either South Korea or the United States. He highlighted Kim’s recent appearance alongside China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, which demonstrated unity among the three countries. This display reinforced the idea that North Korea prefers closer ties with Beijing and Moscow over dialogue with Seoul or Washington.
Still, Wi stressed that South Korea APEC participation remains important for diplomacy. He said South Korea wants to strengthen relations not only with the United States but also with China and Russia. However, he admitted that Pyongyang has little incentive to return to talks soon.
Wi underscored phased denuclearization as the ultimate goal. The plan involves freezing, reducing, and eventually eliminating nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula. He stressed that this remains a shared priority between Seoul and Washington.
At the same time, Wi raised concerns about growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. He warned that such cooperation could accelerate Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs. These developments, he argued, would damage relations between the Koreas and undermine Seoul’s security interests.
Wi also addressed a report claiming Russia supplied a nuclear reactor for North Korea’s submarines. He said the claim remains unverified but agreed that the possibility is deeply troubling.
Additionally, Wi explained South Korea’s openness to more strategic flexibility for US Forces Korea. He clarified that any changes must strengthen, not weaken, the Seoul-Washington alliance, especially given ongoing threats from the North.
Finally, Wi revealed that Washington approved Kang Kyung-wha as South Korea’s new ambassador to the United States. Kang, who previously served as foreign minister, will now represent Seoul in Washington.
The South Korea APEC summit will proceed without Kim Jong-un. Yet, the gathering highlights Seoul’s ongoing efforts to balance alliances, address security concerns, and pursue denuclearization goals in a tense region.
