During his first term, President Donald Trump made history when he briefly crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into North Korea in 2019 after meeting Chairman Kim Jong Un. The move created global headlines, as no sitting U.S. president had ever set foot on North Korean soil before.
Trump later recalled the moment, saying he saw “more rifles pointing” at him than anyone could imagine. According to him, even his Secret Service agents were alarmed, but he insisted he felt safe because of his “strong relationship” with Kim Jong Un.
The DMZ, with its iconic blue buildings dividing North and South Korea, is one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. As Trump described, he looked into the windows on the North Korean side and saw dozens of armed guards. Still, his short step into North Korea was framed as a symbolic gesture of diplomacy.
Trump Meets South Korea’s President
This week, Trump hosted South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae Myung, at the White House. Their meeting began with warm words but quickly moved to serious issues especially the ongoing tension between North and South Korea. President Lee expressed his hope for peace and even hinted at future economic cooperation, joking about a possible “Trump Tower” and golf in North Korea.
At the same time, Lee reminded Trump that during his absence from office, North Korea had advanced its nuclear program. Trump pushed back, saying such progress “wouldn’t have happened” if he had remained in power. Lee seemed to agree, signaling that he expects Trump to play a role in easing regional tensions.
Historical Context of the Korean Divide
The Korean Peninsula was divided after World War II in 1945, when the Allies split it at the 38th parallel the Soviet Union occupying the North and the U.S. the South. The Korean War (1950–1953) and subsequent armistice solidified the separation, leaving North and South Korea technically still at war to this day.
Trump’s Social Media Take
Ahead of his meeting with Lee, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We can’t have that and do business there.”
Despite the dramatic tone, Trump welcomed the South Korean leader, emphasizing continued U.S.-Korea cooperation.
Interestingly, Trump has had closer ties with former president Yoon Suk-yeol, who won a five-year term in 2022 and was considered ideologically aligned with Trump. Yoon even took up golf again after Trump’s re-election last November, reportedly to strengthen their personal rapport.
0 Comments