North Korean leader may receive invitation to APEC as South Korea eyes peace talks

South Korea is not ruling out the possibility of inviting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, scheduled to take place in late October in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

While North Korea is not among APEC’s 21 member economies, host countries hold the authority to extend invitations to nonmember states for observer participation or informal talks. This year's summit, hosted by South Korea, could become a platform for rare diplomatic engagement amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Caliber.Az reports per Korean media.

The presidential office addressed growing speculation over a potential invitation to Pyongyang. Although no formal discussion has taken place, officials emphasized that the option remains within South Korea's rights as summit host.

“According to precedent, host nations are permitted to invite nonmember leaders for informal talks on the sidelines of the APEC Summit,” a presidential official said. “The APEC Summit should serve as a platform to garner international support for peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

The official stressed, however, “There are currently no discussions underway regarding an invitation to North Korea,” signaling that the idea remains in a preliminary stage.

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed the presidential office’s cautious tone.

“Any invitation to North Korea would require consultation with APEC member economies, and no such discussions are currently taking place within APEC,” a ministry official stated. Still, they added, “This year’s potential invitations to nonmember states are being reviewed based on a range of factors, including APEC’s core objectives, this year’s themes and bilateral relations with prospective invitees.”

A Unification Ministry official also acknowledged that the decision rests solely with South Korea as host nation, saying the option remains open despite no current planning.

During his confirmation hearing on July 14, Unification Minister nominee Chung Dong-young said, “Given the high possibility of US President Donald Trump attending, Kim Jong-un's participation could significantly increase the chances of a Pyongyang-Washington summit.”

He added that efforts would be made to use the summit as a platform for peace.

President Lee Jae Myung officially sent invitations to APEC’s 20 other member economies on July 15.

By Vafa Guliyeva