(LEAD) S. Korea's spy agency notes possible signs of U.S.- N. Korea dialogue

Seoul, September 1 (Yonhap) - South Korea's spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), indicated on Tuesday that a potential summit between the United States and North Korea could take place at any time, citing possible signs of dialogue between the two countries. The assessment was shared during a closed-door briefing with the National Assembly's intelligence committee, as reported by Rep. Youn Kun-young of the ruling Democratic Party and Rep. Yoo Yeong-ha of the main opposition People Power Party.

The NIS stated that while no concrete evidence of communication between North Korea and the U.S. has been confirmed, there are indications of dialogue between the two nations. Following President Lee Jae Myung's recent proposal advocating for talks between the two Koreas to formally conclude the 1950-53 Korean War, the NIS emphasized that it has not engaged with the North. The two Koreas have technically remained in a state of war since the armistice was signed, rather than a peace treaty being established.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the coming year. However, Pyongyang has not responded directly to Trump's overtures, instead persisting with its criticism of what it perceives as the U.S. "hostile policy" towards the North.

The NIS also revealed that North Korean leader Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, appears to be at the stage of being designated as her father's successor. This conclusion was based on her frequent appearances in the media, suggesting an effort to establish her image among the North Korean populace as their leader. Photos released by North Korean state media have depicted Ju-ae alongside Kim at significant events, including one commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

The NIS informed the lawmakers that it has obtained and is examining internal documents from North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, as well as missile blueprints.