Balance of Power

An Emboldened Kim Nudges Trump for a Sitdown

Trump has repeatedly touted his “very good relationship” with the North Korean leader.

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks with China’s Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before a military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on Sept. 3.Photographer: Alexander Kazakov/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Soo-hyang Choi

October 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM UTC

Welcome to Balance of Power, bringing you the latest in global politics. If you haven’t yet, sign up here .

As the world’s attention turns to a looming showdown between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea, across the demarcation line, Kim Jong Un is floating the idea of a meeting with the US leader in his own way.