NORTH / SOUTH KOREA: President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in make history. President Trump for meeting with North Korea’s Chairman Kim Jung-Un at the DMZ between the two Koreas. President Moon Jae-in for facilitating the visit, stepping back to let history take precedence.
The United States has been at war with the “hermit kingdom” since 1953. Over 43,000 men died in the Korean Conflict. An armistice bringing the fighting to an end. However to this day, the US is still at war with North Korea.
Today, just before 4pm in Korea, President Donald J. Trump accepted Chairman Kim’s invitation to step across the military demarcation zone, becoming the first sitting US President to step on North Korean soil. Former President Carter and Clinton both visited during the reign of Kim Jong-Il
President Trump is the first American President to stand on North Korea soil
Within a few moments, the two leaders turned around and walked back across the military demarcation zone, onto South Korean land, another first in more than 65 years. The two leaders held a short, complimentary press conference in Peace House. While this is happening at 3:00 am EST, the gravitas of this meeting only enhances the feeling of history in the making.
President Trump and Chairman Kim walk toward South Korea and Peace House
The President of the US and Chairman Kim of North Korea taking steps over more than land, but years of contention between the two countries. This is an important first step in ending a major conflict destabilizing the world.
The Tweet Heard Round the World
While making news at the #G20 Summit in Japan, President Trump used social media to invite Chairman Kim to meet with him. The visit to the DMZ by President Trump and President Moon Jae-in already planning to visit the DMZ after President Trump’s February visit was cut due to weather.
The Result
President Trump and Chairman Kim have agreed to reopen talks between their “teams.”
President Trump listens to President Moon
Of modern day Presidents neither Bill Clinton, George W. Bush or Obama were able to meet the North Korean Chairman or his father, Kim Jong-Il.
This event can be seen as just a handshake or a handshake that may change the course of history on the East Asian Korean peninsula.
President Trump meets with soldiers at the overlook from South Korea to North Korea
President Trump looking out over North Korea
Chairman Kim Jong-Un
President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-Un on North Korean soil
President Trump and Chairman Kim walking back to South Korea to meet at the Peace House
Chairman Kim speaks with the press, a rare occurrence.
