South Korea Intelligence Service Sees High Chance US-North Korea Summit After March

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes there is a high likelihood that North Korea and the United States will hold a summit, potentially after March 2025, following joint U.S.-South Korea military drills and other significant events. Despite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un not publicly responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent calls for talks during his South Korea visit, intelligence assessments indicate Kim is preparing for dialogue and may pursue contact if conditions become favorable. The NIS highlighted that Kim is analyzing U.S. officials responsible for North Korean policy and appears to be moderating his rhetoric in anticipation of possible talks. Previous summits in 2018 and 2019 between Trump and Kim stalled over denuclearization and sanctions, with North Korea now advancing its missile and nuclear programs and demanding recognition as a nuclear power. While negotiations remain complex due to North Korea's demands and ongoing sanctions, the intelligence community sees credible signs of Pyongyang's readiness to engage diplomatically. Additionally, Kim's health appears stable, and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has maintained a low profile amid succession speculation.