Presidential Office: "APEC Should Garner Support for Peace on the Korean Peninsula"... Intention to Invite North Korea Confirmed (Comprehensive)

The government is reportedly considering inviting Kim Jongun, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province at the end of October. However, even if the invitation is extended, it appears unlikely that Chairman Kim will actually attend.

On the 24th, an official from the presidential office commented on the possibility of inviting Chairman Kim to APEC, stating, "According to recent practices, the host country can invite non-member states for informal discussions on the sidelines of the summit," and added, "The APEC summit should serve as an occasion to garner international support for peace on the Korean Peninsula." This is interpreted as a de facto confirmation of the government's intention to extend an invitation.

Regarding this, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "North Korea is not an APEC member, so in principle, it is not eligible to participate in the APEC summit," and added, "If North Korea is to be invited, consultations with APEC member states are necessary, but as of now, there are no ongoing discussions within APEC regarding North Korea's participation in this year's summit." However, the official also stated, "The invitation of non-member states this year is being reviewed comprehensively, taking into account various factors such as the fundamental purpose of APEC, its theme and key agenda for the year, and bilateral relations with the potential invitee."

Kim Jongun, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, observed the artillery firing training competition of the People's Army large combined unit artillery detachments on the 23rd, according to the Korean Central News Agency on the 24th. 2025.7.24 Yonhap News

Even if the government were to officially invite North Korea after consultations with APEC member states, it is unlikely that Chairman Kim would respond positively. However, with the Lee Jaemyung administration consistently making gestures of reconciliation, such as a complete halt to anti-North Korea broadcasts, the APEC invitation appears to be part of these ongoing efforts.

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