Trump Orders Staff to Take Action on North Korea, Korean PM Says

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his staff to take several measures regarding North Korea, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said on May 13 (local time) after meeting with the president.

"President Trump said he maintains a good relationship with Chairman Kim Jong-un and asked my opinion on whether Kim wants dialogue," Prime Minister Kim said at a press briefing at the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.

"I was asked about North Korea's current situation, whether they would want dialogue with President Trump, and how to advance relations. I offered several thoughts," the prime minister said. "President Trump then gave several instructions to his staff on related matters."

Kim declined to disclose what he proposed to President Trump, saying he must first report to President Lee Jae-myung.

The prime minister visited the White House and held an impromptu 20-minute meeting with Trump.

Regarding U.S. investment, Kim said South Korea presented tentative proposals during meetings the previous day with Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. "The U.S. expressed satisfaction," he said. "Two or three options including nuclear power plants are being seriously considered."

On Section 301 trade investigations, Greer said "Korea is not being specifically targeted," according to the prime minister. Greer suggested Korea "could be in a more favorable position than other countries" and proposed working through issues via close communication.

Greer also criticized Coupang for taking an aggressive stance to resolve legal issues in ways that deviate from the core problems, Kim said.

On digital regulations under Section 301 review, U.S. officials asked whether Korea's Online Platform Act and proposed telecommunications law amendments follow the EU model. Kim responded that the approaches are "completely different in design" because Korea punishes individuals who cause problems while the EU regulates platforms. "The U.S. seems to understand this," he added.

On critical minerals price floors, Kim said Seoul has finalized and communicated its position on pricing thresholds.