Overview
- The National Intelligence Service told lawmakers there is a high possibility of a U.S.–North Korea summit after the March U.S.–South Korea drills, framing March as a potential turning point while the White House says no talks are scheduled.
- Kim Jong Un intends to pursue dialogue if conditions are favorable and has avoided direct mentions of nuclear armament since late September, the NIS assessed.
- Officials said North Korea has been preparing behind the scenes for talks, including analyzing the views of U.S. working-level officials handling North Korea policy.
- Trump sought a meeting during his Asia trip around the APEC events in South Korea, but Pyongyang did not respond and no encounter took place.
- The NIS also reported North Korean personnel movements in support of Russia’s war effort and said it sees no major health concerns for Kim while noting Kim Ju-ae’s growing public profile.