(EDITORIAL from The Korea Times on Aug. 21)

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent statement about a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reignited diplomatic hopes. However, the real question is what Washington hopes to achieve from this encounter. Trump stated he has a "very good" relationship with Kim and acknowledged the country's nuclear arsenal. This suggests an understanding of the current reality. Nonetheless, it should not lead to accepting the status quo.

The aim should be to reduce threats posed by North Korea's nuclear and conventional capabilities, prevent further escalation on the Korean Peninsula, and establish a more stable security framework. Denuclearization, while a long-term goal, should not be an unrealistic precondition. The Hanoi summit's collapse showed the dangers of demanding too much too quickly.

There are practical areas for initial negotiations. These could include a freeze on nuclear material production, restrictions on missile testing, improved communication, military confidence-building measures, and increased transparency. However, any concessions should be linked to measurable actions by North Korea. South Korea's role in any new diplomatic process is also crucial.

The U.S. needs to ensure South Korea has a meaningful role and that military exercises, troop deployments, and security balance are not unilaterally decided by Washington.

Trump should avoid seeing the summit as a political achievement. The success of negotiations should not depend on the relationship between two leaders. The ultimate goal is to lower conflict risks, constrain North Korea's military capabilities, and preserve the possibility of further reductions in its nuclear arsenal. The path forward involves gradual, reciprocal measures, credible deterrence, and close coordination with South Korea.