Seoul Intelligence Says North Korea Preparing for Conditional Talks With U.S.

Overview

• South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told parliament it has observed signs across multiple channels that North Korea is preparing for dialogue with the United States.
• The agency assessed that Kim Jong Un has the intent to engage if conditions are met, characterizing the posture as conditional rather than a formal initiative.
• Lawmakers who attended the nonpublic session said the briefing indicated there has been no direct contact between Washington and Pyongyang so far.
• The NIS noted North Korea has toned down direct public remarks on nuclear armament since September as it calibrates potential terms for engagement.
• The agency said North Korea’s stance could shift after joint U.S.–ROK military exercises planned for March, and separate reports recounted President Trump’s unanswered bid for a meeting in late October.