South Korean PM Kim holds surprise meeting with Trump

The leaders discussed North Korea and ways to revive U.S.-North Korea dialogue

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:23am

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South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok held an unscheduled 20-minute meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss North Korea and possible ways to revive U.S.-North Korea dialogue. Kim said much of the conversation focused on Trump asking for his views on North Korea, and that Trump showed interest in his proposals for breaking the current diplomatic stalemate.

Why it matters

The surprise meeting between the South Korean PM and U.S. President highlights the ongoing efforts to address tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the potential for renewed dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea. As a key U.S. ally, South Korea plays an important role in facilitating communication and diplomacy in the region.

The details

According to Kim, the meeting was arranged by evangelical leader Paula White while Kim was visiting the White House. The two leaders spoke in the Oval Office without an interpreter for about 20 minutes. Kim told Trump that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung often describes the U.S. leader as the only person capable of resolving tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Trump then asked Kim about North Korea's willingness to hold talks, and Kim emphasized the need to expand contacts and dialogue to preserve even a small possibility of a future summit between the U.S. and North Korea.

  • The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon, March 13, 2026.
  • Trump is scheduled to visit China later this month, which could also affect the prospects for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang.

The players

Kim Min-seok

The Prime Minister of South Korea who held the surprise meeting with President Trump.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok.

Lee Jae-myung

The President of South Korea who has described Trump as the only person capable of resolving tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Jong Un

The leader of North Korea who has met with President Trump on three occasions during his first term.

Paula White

An evangelical leader who arranged the introduction between Prime Minister Kim and President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“South Korean President Lee Jae-myung often describes the U.S. leader as the only person capable of resolving tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”

— Kim Min-seok, Prime Minister of South Korea

“Trump remains the only Western leader to have held direct talks with North Korea's leader and could play a key role as a peacemaker on the Korean Peninsula.”

— Kim Min-seok, Prime Minister of South Korea

What’s next

Kim said he plans to submit a written English memo outlining his proposals to the White House before leaving the United States. Trump's scheduled visit to China later this month could also affect the prospects for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang.

The takeaway

The surprise meeting between the South Korean Prime Minister and U.S. President highlights the ongoing efforts to address tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the potential for renewed dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea. As a key U.S. ally, South Korea continues to play a crucial role in facilitating communication and diplomacy in the region.