With President Donald Trump set for his first Asia trip since returning to office, speculation is rife in South Korea about a fresh encounter with Kim Jong Un during his stop there. A surprise Panmunjom meeting around the Oct. 31–Nov. 1 APEC gathering is deemed possible, though many experts doubt it amid North Korea’s expanded arsenal and closer ties with Russia and China. Even without a meeting, analysts debate what talks might trade—sanctions relief for limits—while others warn such a “small deal” could leave North Korea’s short-range threat to South Korea intact.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.