국정원 “북-미 회담 언제라도 가능…대화 징후 있다”

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has stated that a North-South inter-Korean summit is always possible, and there are signs of dialogue between the two nations. NIS reported this at a closed meeting of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee on the 1st. According to NIS, "A North-South summit can happen at any time," but there are no specific contact details between the two countries at the moment.

NIS official Yun Gyeon-yeong told media that although there is no evidence of concrete contact between the two nations, there are "dialogue signs." Earlier, President Trump had repeatedly sent messages indicating his desire for a conversation with Kim Jong-un. The 8/15 Liberation Day commemoration held at the northern border saw an offer by the North for joint discussions on ending the 6/25 War.

NIS confirmed, however, that "There is no NIS-level dialogue contact." The official also indicated that they view Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as a "potential successor" in their observations. Yun Gyeon-yeong noted that the increased exposure of Kim Ju-ae in the media is intended to "identify her as a leader to North Korean citizens."

NIS further reported that the possibility of North Korea's ground troop deployment in Ukraine is "significantly low" under Trump's administration, but they expect it to be "dynamic" given changing circumstances. The NIS also revealed they are currently analyzing North Korean nuclear missile designs and documents obtained. NIS media official Yun Hyo-hang reported that the North has expanded the intelligence unit under the General Staff Department of the Korean People's Army, renaming it the Reconnaissance General Bureau.

This expansion was meant to "greatly strengthen electronic surveillance capabilities" and to "assign Reconnaissance General Bureau Chief Lee Chang-ho to handle war information processing from the Ukraine conflict." NIS reported that they have commenced widespread surveillance of illegal gatherings following the 12/3 unlawful act of arson.

Yun Gyeon-yeong warned that "The North Korean influence operations task force (TF·TIEF) within the NIS faces concerns and worries from civilians" and said he plans to take personnel action based on special reconnaissance findings. The North Korean influence operations TF·TIEF has been facing suspicion regarding its connection to civilian organizations such as refugee shelters.