Vice chairman of the North Korean ruling party’s central committee Kim Yong Chol arrives at the South’s CIQ (Costoms, Immigration and Quarntine) just south of the demilitarized zone in Paju, South Korea, February 25, 2018. (Photo: Yonhap)
Kim Jong Un has sent his longtime spy chief to the U.S. to take up President Donald Trump’s offer to revive the nuclear summit on June 12 in Singapore. Kim Yong Chol, an infamous spy and vice chairman of the ruling Workers’ Party, boarded a flight to New York at Beijing Capital International Airport after meeting with Chinese officials.
Choe Kang Il, another top official in the North Korean foreign ministry, was also spotted at the airport. It’s unclear whether he would be accompanying the former spy chief, but Choe plays a key role in policy pertaining to North America.
Last week, President Trump pulled out of the summit with North Korea scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, sending a bold letter to Kim that left the door open to future talks. The decision came after North Korea destroyed a nuclear site but also as Kim’s behavior was influenced by their neighbor to the North.
The president confirmed the visit on Twitter.
“We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea,” President Trump tweeted. “Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!”
We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea. Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2018
