South Korea Steps In as Mediator Between the U.S. and North Korea
Why the Summit Could Be in Jeopardy
After a fiery warning from Kim Jong Un that he might ditch the June 12 summit in Singapore, the U.S. is demanding the North fall back on its nuclear weapons. Reports say Washington wants Pyongyang to ship away nuclear warheads, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and other kit within six months. According to the Asahi newspaper, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted that if Kana-go is ready to hand over those items, he might get off the state‑terror list.
And if Pyongyang agrees to a complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization at Singapore, the U.S. is thinking of keeping the Kim regime in happy shape with some kind of guarantee.
South Korea’s Tight‑Fisted Diplomacy
With tensions popping like popcorn, Korean President Moon Jae‑in’s Blue House has taken a hands‑on role. The plan? Act as a friendly and ambitious bridge between Washington and Pyongyang. The Blue House source said, “We’ll make sure the U.S. knows exactly what North Korea’s up to, and when the U.S. can best explain it back to Pyongyang.”
- “We’re seeing sincere attitudes on both sides, which means we’re in for a story worth telling,” the official added.
- Moon is scheduled to host a summit with President Trump on May 22 at the White House. The two will top‑key the importance of the upcoming U.S.-North Korea event.
- South Korea will keep talking to North Korea to salvage the high‑level talks that were called off last week.
China’s Voice on the Middle East
Meanwhile, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi pushed for a call to appreciate North Korea’s calming moves. In his words, “All parties—especially the U.S.—should cherish the peace window,” highlighting that any misstep could derail further progress.
What If the Summit Fizzles?
Without its first-ever U.S.-North Korean meeting, Trump would lose the biggest diplomatic trophy of his tenure. This situation comes on the back of US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement and the embassy shift to Jerusalem, which have stirred international criticism and sharpened conflicts, notably on the Israel–Gaza frontline.
