Moon Drops a Bombshell: Kim Jong‑Un Might Be Heading to Seoul!
In a press‑brief that packed more drama than a soap‑opera cliffhanger, South Korean President Moon Jae‑in told reporters on Tuesday (Dec 4) that a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong‑Un could actually happen—and that it would be a win‑win for both Pyongyang and the United States.
Why It Matters
- Historical first – No North Korean head of state has paid a trip to Seoul yet.
- Denuclearisation boost – Moon says a meeting could torch the biggest nuclear worry on the peninsula.
- U.S. relations warm‑up – A Kim visit is also a gesture that might get Washington’s eyebrows raised.
In the Jeep One‑on‑One
During a state visit to New Zealand, Moon was on the record asking about the “time frame” for a potential Kim trip to Seoul. “No set period yet, but it’s meaningful,” he replied, sipping a mug of something “not too fancy.” He added that this would “accelerate the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula” and bring “a greater stride in relations improvement” between North Korea and the U.S.
Who’s Got the Power in the Zone?
- Moon & Trump – Their landmark Singapore summit in June promised a joint push for denuclearisation.
- Mike Pence – The U.S. Vice‑President says Trump wants a concrete plan to tell North Korea how to shut down its nukes.
- Kim’s warning – Angered by U.S. sanctions, North Korea has hinted at restarting its nuclear program.
New Zealand’s Game Plan
After a coffee‑sized chat with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the duo discussed how to keep the peninsula de‑nuked and peaceful. Ardern stated, “N.Z.’s stance on nuclear non‑proliferation is clear, and we hope 2019 will bring a complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea.” She also highlighted N.Z.’s collaboration with the U.S. to help Pacific nations audit ship registers and curb smuggling vectors.
The Shipping Shuffle
During a July training workshop with 14 Pacific nations, a senior US State Department officier flagged that several ships linked to prohibited North Korean activity were uncovered. This follows a 2017 Reuters report that Fiji had found more than 20 vessels using its flag illegally to skirt sanctions.
Why All the Fuss?
- Each ship is a potential money‑laundering and smuggling route for North Korea.
- Clear documentation helps the U.S. and allies stop illicit trade.
- It also signals to the world that the embargo is still in force and enforced.
All in all, a Kim‑to‑Seoul trip is still a “possibility” in Moon’s words, but it’s the kind of move that could shift the balance on the peninsula, right out of the dark hours of uncertainty.
