(Image source from: The Nightly)
US President Donald Trump expressed on Monday his desire to meet again with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, potentially this year, while engaging in discussions at the White House with South Korea’s new leader, who has a more peaceful approach. Before President Lee Jae Myung came for his highly anticipated first visit to the White House, Trump took to social media to criticize what he described as a "Purge or Revolution" happening in South Korea, seemingly linked to police actions concerning churches. During a meeting in the Oval Office that began with Lee complimenting Trump extensively, the US leader downplayed his earlier strong criticism, commenting, "I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding," and mentioned, "there is a rumor going around." Trump stated that he thought he and Lee were aligned on North Korea, as Lee is a progressive who favors diplomacy rather than conflict. Trump, who had three meetings with Kim Jong Un during his first term, praised his connection with the young leader, claiming he understood him "better than anybody, almost, other than his sister."
"I will see him someday. I am excited to meet him. He was very kind to me," Trump told journalists while expressing his hopes that the discussions would happen this year. Previously, Trump mentioned that he and Kim "fell in love" during their encounters, which eased tensions although did not lead to a solid agreement. However, Kim has since gained strength due to the war in Ukraine, receiving important backing from Russia after sending numerous North Korean soldiers to fight. North Korea has remained firm, rejecting any discussions about ending its nuclear weapons program. Lee, who used to be a labor rights attorney and has criticized the US military in the past, quickly complimented Trump and stated that under his leadership, the United States has become "not a keeper of peace, but a maker of peace."
"I am eager for your upcoming conversation with Chairman Kim Jong Un and the building of Trump Tower in North Korea, as well as the chance to play golf there," Lee mentioned to him. He even referenced North Korean propaganda that criticized South Korea, mentioning that Pyongyang claimed its relationship with Trump was stronger. "Kim will be waiting for you," Lee told him. After his meeting, Lee cautioned that North Korea might soon be able to create 10 to 20 nuclear weapons every year, along with a missile capable of reaching the United States, despite ongoing pressure and sanctions. "The reality is that the quantity of nuclear arms North Korea has grown over the last three to four years," Lee stated at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He pointed out his friendly gestures toward the North, such as halting the loud anti-Kim broadcasts from military loudspeakers. Lee was elected in June following the impeachment of the more aggressive Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed after a brief period of martial law. The raids described by Trump likely related to inquiries involving Yoon's conservative associates.
Korean Air declared after the discussions that it would acquire over 100 planes from the American company Boeing, as Trump strongly encourages allies to boost business. Trump, who often claims that European partners take advantage of the United States, made it clear he would push South Korea for more financial support regarding the 28,500 US troops stationed there. He indicated that the United States may consider taking over the land of military bases, a proposal likely to upset Lee's supporters on the South Korean left. "We invested a lot in constructing a base, and South Korea made a contribution, but I would like to find a way to end the lease and gain ownership of the land where we operate a large military base," Trump stated. He also candidly addressed one of South Korea's most sensitive matters: the so-called "comfort women" who were forced into sexual slavery during Japan's rule from 1910 to 1945. The South Korean left has traditionally criticized Japan’s past; however, Lee made a highly symbolic visit to Tokyo on his journey to Washington, a move that Trump commended. Japan had promised to compensate comfort women, but survivors have criticized the agreement, doubting the sincerity of Tokyo’s commitment.
