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

SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's intelligence agency indicated on Tuesday that a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could occur at any time, based on potential indications of communication between the two nations. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) conveyed this during a private meeting with members of the National Assembly's intelligence committee, according to Democratic Party Representative Youn Kun-young and opposition People Power Party Representative Yoo Yeong-ha.

In response to the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit, the NIS asserted that it should be considered as a potential occurrence at any moment. Although there have been no confirmed instances of dialogue between the two countries, there are observable signs of communication. President Trump has expressed his intention to meet with Kim Jong-un later this year, although Pyongyang has not responded directly to Trump's invitations, and has continued to criticize the United States' hostile approach toward North Korea.

During a recent proposal by President Lee Jae Myung to initiate discussions on formally concluding the 1950-53 Korean War, the NIS stated that it has not established contact with North Korea. The agency is currently not in communication with the North.

Concerning North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, the NIS suggested that she might be in the process of being designated as Kim's successor, given her frequent appearances in media, particularly at major events such as the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice in July. The agency believes this could be an attempt to shape her image among the North Korean population as the future leader.

The NIS disclosed to the lawmakers that it has obtained and is currently examining internal documents from North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, as well as missile blueprints. Additionally, the agency has initiated an internal investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law initiative and is probing allegations, as raised by Representative Youn, that a task force on North Korea established under the previous administration monitored politicians and civilians unrelated to the North.