Prospects Grow for Second Trump-Kim Summit at Panmunjom... Ministry of Unification, UNC Suspend JSA Tours During APEC

[Financial News] With special tours of Panmunjom suspended during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju, the possibility of a U.S.-North Korea summit has increased. Previously, Chung Dong-young, Minister of Unification, stated at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the National Assembly on the 14th that a summit between the U.S. and North Korea could take place at Panmunjom during the APEC Summit.
The Ministry of Unification (MOU) announced on the 20th that special tours of Panmunjom would be suspended during the APEC Summit in Gyeongju. The United Nations Command (UNC) is also expected to temporarily halt special tours of the Joint Security Area (JSA) from October 27 to November 1, coinciding with the APEC Summit. The suspension of these tours is seen as a response to the potential for a U.S.-North Korea summit.
On this day, Ministry of Unification spokesperson Koo Byung-sam stated at a regular briefing, "There will be no special tours of Panmunjom conducted by the Ministry of Unification from late October to early November." He suggested that further details regarding the suspension should be directed to the UNC, as Panmunjom is under its jurisdiction. The UNC had resumed special tours of Panmunjom in May this year after suspending them due to heightened tensions following North Korea's withdrawal from the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement.
When asked about the possibility of a U.S.-North Korea summit, spokesperson Koo replied, "The Office of National Security (ONS) has expressed its support for a U.S.-North Korea summit to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula." However, he added that there have been no visible developments in dialogue between the two countries.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration is showing tangible signs of preparing for a summit. An official who was involved in the U.S.-North Korea summit during the first Trump administration is expected to be appointed as acting ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea soon.
The position of U.S. ambassador to South Korea has remained vacant, with the embassy being led by an acting ambassador. According to diplomatic sources, Joseph Yuosang Yun, the current acting ambassador, is expected to step down around the 26th after about nine months in Seoul.
Kevin Kim, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and a Korean-American official responsible for Korean Peninsula affairs in the second Trump administration, is being considered as Yun's successor. As this is not a formal ambassadorial appointment requiring congressional approval, he can assume the role immediately. He is expected to join official duties during President Trump's visit to South Korea.
The abrupt replacement of the acting ambassador just before President Trump's visit is considered unusual. Analysts believe this move is intended to coordinate a meeting between President Trump and Chairman Kim. It is reported that the Trump administration has been secretly discussing a possible meeting with Kim Jong Un.rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter