US Intelligence Chief Visiting Korea via Japan... Likely to Visit DMZ

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Avril Haines, Director of the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), will visit South Korea on the 12th. This marks the first visit by the head of U.S. intelligence since the Biden administration took office. She is expected to hold separate schedules including a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and discuss North Korea's nuclear issues with domestic officials.

Japanese private broadcaster ANN reported that Director Haines plans to visit South Korea after attending the trilateral intelligence chiefs meeting of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan on the 12th.

Prior to this, Director Haines visited Japan for the trilateral intelligence chiefs meeting. The meeting is expected to cover issues related to Northeast Asia, including China, and solutions to North Korea's nuclear problem.

Afterwards, Director Haines will visit South Korea for separate engagements. She is expected to visit the DMZ, meet with domestic officials to explain the U.S. policy toward North Korea, and discuss North Korea's nuclear issues.

ANN also reported that Director Haines is coordinating meetings with President Moon Jae-in and National Security Office Director Suh Hoon during her visit to South Korea.

Amid attempts by North Korea and the U.S. to engage in behind-the-scenes dialogue, Director Haines' visit is also interpreted as a step to create an opportunity for talks with North Korea. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, explained, "North Korea and the U.S. are already in low-level contact. North Korea is carefully observing the situation of South Korea and the U.S., and will also be watching the meeting of the intelligence chiefs of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan."

Meanwhile, Park Jie-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, who is in Japan for the trilateral intelligence chiefs meeting, held talks with Hiroaki Takizawa, Japan’s Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office Director, in Tokyo on the 11th to discuss North Korea-related issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.