North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may hold a historic meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit, South Korea’s unification minister Chung Dong-young indicated on Tuesday. The likely venue for the encounter could be the border village of Panmunjom, located between North and South Korea.

Speaking at a parliamentary audit session, Minister Chung noted that both leaders appear ready for talks based on open-source information and past statements. Kim’s previous remarks about having “good memories” of Trump suggest he is conditionally open to discussions, particularly if U.S. demands for North Korea’s denuclearization are eased.

Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea in late October for the APEC summit, to be held in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. Minister Chung emphasized that the possibility of a meeting hinges on Trump’s willingness to address Pyongyang’s concerns over South Korea-U.S. military exercises, which North Korea has long viewed as rehearsals for invasion.

The unification minister also highlighted Kim’s unique authority to resolve humanitarian issues, including the fate of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. While an inter-Korean summit remains a priority, Chung suggested that political and logistical constraints make a meeting before South Korea’s local elections in June 2026 unlikely.

Ahead of the APEC summit, South Korea’s Presidential Security Service (PSS) has coordinated with 14 government agencies, including the National Intelligence Service, Joint Chiefs of Staff, police, and foreign affairs and justice ministries, to ensure comprehensive security. PSS chief Hwang In-kwon called for strengthened cooperation and information sharing to guarantee a safe and successful summit.

A potential Kim-Trump dialogue at the APEC summit could mark a major step in U.S.-North Korea relations and reshape regional diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific.