In 2019, Donald Trump made a historic visit to North Korea, crossing into the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with Kim Jong Un.

It was a moment of high drama, with TV crews scrambling to capture the scene. Trump, always a showman, had invited Kim to meet him in the DMZ just 30 hours before, creating a surprise photo-op that had the world talking.

Kim, who was once a reclusive dictator, shook hands with the US president, making for a striking image. However, this was more about appearances than actual progress in talks, and nothing concrete came from it.

Fast forward to now, Trump says he’s open to reaching out to Kim again. His words suggest a rekindling of their unusual relationship, even though the last meeting didn’t result in a deal on North Korea’s nuclear weapons.

In the years since, Kim has made advances in his missile programs and formed new alliances, notably with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s hope of denuclearization seems distant now.

Experts like Jenny Town believe it’s possible to reignite talks, especially since Trump has appointed a special envoy to deal with North Korea.

However, things have changed in Pyongyang. Kim’s government is now less reliant on the US due to new friendships, particularly with Russia. Some analysts believe Kim may be more confident and less desperate to negotiate.

Kim has also prepared his people for Trump’s return. Yet, as former intelligence officer Sydney Seiler points out, there are no easy deals to be made with North Korea.

The best-case scenario might involve stopping long-range missile tests, but even that could be difficult to achieve. Talks have failed before, and many wonder if it’s worth trying again.

Trump’s relationship with Kim was once viewed as an opportunity for peace, but it hasn’t stopped the North’s nuclear program.

Despite this, there seemed to be a genuine connection between the two leaders that gave hope for some kind of breakthrough.

However, after several summits and no major results, it’s unclear if the dynamic between them will ever lead to meaningful change, especially since Kim is now in a stronger position.

The BBC’s coverage on this highlights the complex and evolving relationship between Trump and Kim, with a mix of diplomacy and high-stakes gamble that, so far, hasn’t paid off.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7d2g19q00o

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