Ri Il Gyu, a high-ranking North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea, disclosed that North Korea is considering re-engaging in nuclear negotiations with the United States if Donald Trump wins the presidency again. In a recent interview, he noted that Pyongyang is focusing on building relationships with Russia, the U.S., and Japan, which are key to its foreign policy for the foreseeable future.

The former diplomat mentioned that, should Trump return to power, North Korea's diplomats are actively crafting a new strategy to lift the economic sanctions imposed on the country and to receive aid. This marks a significant shift from the North’s recent rhetoric that dismissed the possibility of dialogue with the U.S. and hinted at military confrontations. He criticized Kim Jong Un's previous approach by stating that Kim's reliance on inexperienced military leaders hindered effective diplomatic negotiations, particularly during the failed summit with Trump in Vietnam in 2019.

Ri also noted that forging stronger ties with Russia has allowed North Korea to improve its missile technology and lessen its dependency on U.S. lifting of sanctions. According to Ri, this shift in allegiance has enhanced North Korea's negotiating power by removing one of the U.S.'s critical leverage points in future discussions.

On the other hand, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed interest in meeting with Kim, but the longstanding issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea complicates these plans. Ri suggested that Kim may be open to addressing this delicate subject to secure economic assistance in negotiations, though North Korea has long maintained that this issue is already settled.

Ri shared his personal journey of defection, noting that he endured bullying and disregard for his well-being from his colleagues, which ultimately propelled him to leave the regime. He reflected on the worsening conditions within North Korea due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and financial strains that led to the closure of multiple diplomatic missions. Ri criticized the North Korean government for its inability to provide even basic necessities to its diplomats stationed abroad, indicating a severe decline in living conditions.

He concluded by expressing his support for South Korea's diplomatic efforts in strengthening ties with Cuba, seeing it as a positive step toward a more normal presence in the international community.