Senior Seoul Official Anticipates 'New Progress' on North Korea Issue

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A senior South Korean official said Thursday that he anticipates "some new progress in a few days" regarding North Korea-related issues, but noted it is not about the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. The official made the remarks during a meeting with reporters in Washington, amid speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump could seek a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un when he visits China in April.

Why it matters

The remarks from the senior South Korean official come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with both Seoul and Washington seeking to reengage with Pyongyang, even as North Korea has deepened ties with Russia and China.

The details

The South Korean official said the anticipated progress is "not anything significant, but it is intended as a gesture of goodwill that can serve as a starting point (for progress in diplomacy with North Korea)." However, the official also pointed out North Korea's lack of interest in diplomacy with Seoul or Washington, stating "So we need to wait and see."

• The senior South Korean official made the remarks on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
• The official noted the potential progress could happen "in a few days."

What they’re saying

What’s next

Both South Korea and the U.S. have expressed a desire to reengage with North Korea, but it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang would be receptive to dialogue overtures at this time.