On the first day of his second term, US President Donald Trump called North Korea a “nuclear power”. This announcement was made in the Oval Office, where he first signed the executive orders and then spoke to the press. “I have a friendly relationship with him. He likes me, I like him… They see it as a big threat… We get along very well. He's a nuclear power. I think he'll be happy to see me back.” “, Mr. Trump said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

These statements have caused concern in Seoul, where they are watching with undisguised tension what Donald Trump will do and what he will do regarding the Korean Peninsula. Almost all leading publications and television channels in the country broadcast major news stories featuring Trump's words about North Korea as a nuclear power. It is emphasized that US President Donald Trump publicly described North Korea as a “nuclear power” for the first time. However, it should be emphasized that this term is distinct from the official status of a “nuclear weapons state” recognized by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It is noteworthy that the same wording was previously used by Pete Hegseth, a candidate for US Secretary of Defense, who stated on January 14 at a Senate hearing that North Korea has nuclear capabilities.

South Korean officials have yet to publicly comment on Trump's statement, but experts note that Trump and Hegseth's terminology does not comply with the NPT. Korean expert Min Jong Hoon from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted: “The use of the term “nuclear energy” describes the presence of nuclear potential rather than recognizing the DPRK Tien is an official nuclear state. It is difficult for the US to change its basic position.”

Local analysts also believe that Mr. Trump may try to resume direct dialogue with Mr. Kim, using a softer tone to attract Pyongyang's attention. Trump has held three meetings with the North Korean leader, starting with a summit in Singapore in 2018. The second meeting in Hanoi ended inconclusively but Trump continued to maintain communication. through correspondence.

Many South Korean experts believe that Trump is willing to consider not only complete denuclearization but also agreements to reduce or freeze North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Others point to security risks for South Korea, which will remain under threat from North Korea's missiles.

Korean professor Im Eul-chul of Kyungnam University said: “Kim Jong-un will probably receive Trump's words positively, but at the same time ask the US to take specific actions, such as end joint military exercises with South Korea”.

In this regard, Seoul is currently waiting for the meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea, which will be held tomorrow – January 22. The Koreans do not rule out the possibility that Kim Jong-un may speak there and may make some proposals to Trump on resuming dialogue, and present his views on the new administration of America.