The relationship between Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un is like a plot twist in an international drama—a mix of fiery exchanges, unexpected camaraderie, and complicated outcomes. Trump’s recent comments about reopening channels with Kim have reignited curiosity about what this unusual bond could mean for global diplomacy and security. Let’s break it down into a more conversational narrative that unpacks this complex relationship and what it signals for the future.
### Trump and Kim: Act 1 – The Bromance That Shook the World
When Donald Trump first took office in 2017, the world watched in a mix of curiosity and alarm as he and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un exchanged insults and threats of nuclear confrontation. Kim labeled Trump a “dotard,” while Trump fired back, calling Kim “Little Rocket Man.” The tension between their nations—technically still at war since the Korean War armistice in 1953—reached a boiling point, raising the specter of nuclear conflict.
Then, in a turn that surprised virtually everyone, the insults gave way to handshakes. Trump and Kim held a historic summit in 2018, the first-ever meeting between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader. It marked a rare moment of optimism, with the world holding its breath, hoping it might signal an end to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Trump even went so far as to proclaim on social media, “There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea,” and expressed his admiration for Kim, famously saying, “We fell in love.”
Those sentiments were short-lived. Despite three high-profile summits between 2018 and 2019, the talks failed to produce any agreement on denuclearizing North Korea or lifting U.S. sanctions. As hopes for a breakthrough fizzled, Kim doubled down on building and testing nuclear-capable missiles while vowing to end dialogue with Washington.
### Act 2 – The Return of Trump and “Bromance Diplomacy”?
Fast forward to 2023: Donald Trump is back in the spotlight and has suggested reigniting his diplomatic overtures with Kim Jong-un if he wins a second term in office. In a recent interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump broached the possibility of opening dialogue with Kim once again, saying, “He liked me, and I got along with him… He’s not a religious zealot. He happens to be a smart guy.” For his part, Trump has previously acknowledged the high stakes of engaging with Kim, pointing out that “it’s nice to get along when somebody has a lot of nuclear weapons.”
South Korean officials, however, are less enthusiastic about the potential revival of this roller-coaster diplomacy. Memories of the earlier summits’ unfulfilled promises still linger, and there’s a tangible fear that Trump might strike a deal with Kim that only addresses part of the nuclear puzzle. For instance, analysts worry that Trump could agree to North Korea giving up its long-range missiles while retaining its nuclear arsenal in exchange for easing sanctions. Such a compromise might destabilize the region and undermine South Korea’s own security.
### The Complex Web of North Korea’s Global Ties
Since Trump and Kim’s last meeting five years ago, the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly. One of the most notable developments is North Korea’s growing alliance with Russia and its evolving partnership with China. Historically, China has served as North Korea’s primary buffer against international pressure, but Kim has recently courted Moscow as an additional ally.
North Korea’s assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine—reportedly including weapons and an estimated 12,000 troops—has strengthened its ties with Moscow. By aligning himself with Russia, Kim is strategically adding another layer of support to deter pressure from the U.S. and its allies. In return, Moscow has offered protection against international sanctions, helping Pyongyang resist diplomatic isolation.
While Trump has described North Korea as a nuclear power in recent remarks—breaking with the long-standing U.S. policy of not recognizing it as such—this shift hasn’t been well-received by American allies. South Korea, in particular, has been quick to push back. “We cannot grant North Korea nuclear power status,” said South Korea’s Defense Ministry, underscoring the delicate balance at stake. For South Koreans, Trump’s rhetoric rekindles concerns that the Korean Peninsula could once again become a theater for unpredictable political moves.
### Kim Jong-un: The Calculating Leader
On North Korea’s side, it remains uncertain how Kim Jong-un might respond to Trump’s renewed overtures. Since the collapse of earlier talks, Kim has focused on advancing his country’s missile and nuclear capabilities. He’s also promoted the idea of a “multipolar” world order—one that limits U.S. influence globally. This vision aligns with his partnerships with Russia and, to some extent, China.
North Korea’s missile advancements pose a renewed threat to the United States. In recent weeks, Pyongyang has test-launched missiles capable of reaching the continental U.S., much to the ire of American defense officials. At a parliamentary session earlier this year, North Korea’s government announced budgets designed to accelerate its development of national defense capabilities, signaling a continued push for military advancement.
Given North Korea’s focus on boosting its arsenal and tightening alliances with Russia, the prospects of Kim eagerly reentering negotiations with a Trump-led U.S. remain murky. Some South Korea-based analysts, such as Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification, speculate that Kim will bide his time to gauge Trump’s seriousness and strategy before making a move. Upcoming North Korean political gatherings, such as the Workers’ Party meeting in June or a parliamentary session in September, could provide clues about Kim’s intentions.
### What’s Next on This Diplomatic Tightrope?
North Korea’s state media has remained mostly silent about Trump’s recent comments, mentioning his inauguration in a two-sentence update and little else. However, Pyongyang’s missile launches ahead of Trump’s swearing-in hint at a deliberate strategy. These tests may be part of Kim’s ongoing efforts to assert his country’s strength and bargain from a position of power should talks resume.
The stakes are high. Trump’s willingness to reengage with Kim underscores his preference for personal diplomacy, but his approach often defies established norms and pushes boundaries. While some see potential for breakthroughs in his unorthodox methods, critics warn that his erratic style could lead to missteps with global consequences.
As we watch this political drama unfold, one thing is clear: the Trump-Kim relationship, marked by its highs and lows, embodies the complexities of modern diplomacy. For now, the world will have to wait and see if Act 2 of their “bromance diplomacy” will be a sequel worth watching—or just another chapter in an unresolved saga.
