Key Points

President Trump emphasized his personal role in improving inter-Korean relations during a meeting with South Korea's leader. He specifically recalled how his engagement with North Korea made the 2018 Winter Olympics possible when tensions were high. Trump quoted former President Moon Jae-in crediting him for the Olympics' success. The former president also highlighted ongoing efforts to address North Korea's nuclear program through diplomatic channels.

Key Points: Trump Recalls 2018 Olympics Role in Inter-Korean Relations with Kim Jong Un

  • Trump claims credit for North Korea's participation in 2018 Olympics
  • Highlights his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un
  • Recalls how Olympics ticket sales surged after North Korea joined
  • Credits himself with preventing potential nuclear threat during games
3 min read

Trump highlights role in inter-Korean relations, recalls 2018 Winter Olympics

Trump highlights his key role in North Korea's participation in 2018 Winter Olympics during meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, citing reduced tensions.

"President Moon of South Korea said without Donald Trump the Olympics would have been a total failure - Donald Trump"

Washington DC, August 26

In a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) highlighted his engagement with North Korea and the progress made in inter-Korean relations.

Trump said, "Kim Jong Un and I have a very good relationship... If Hilary Clinton had won the election, it would have been a disaster. We think we can do something with regard to North and South Korea, and you are much more prone to doing that than other leaders from South Korea that I have been working with..."

He also recalled the 2018 Winter Olympics, noting, "I remember when you were doing the Olympics and there was a great time of hostility with North Korea, you were not selling tickets because nobody would want to be blown up in the stadium during the opening ceremony... Then I received a call from North Korea, stating they wanted to participate in the Olympics and actually field teams... Immediately, after that, you started selling tickets and it turned out to be a tremendous success..."

Trump highlighted that this success was acknowledged by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who credited him with playing a key role in making the 2018 Winter Olympic Games a triumph. Reflecting on that period, he also touched upon the ongoing North Korean nuclear threat, CNN reported.

"President Moon of South Korea said without Donald Trump the Olympics would have been a total failure," Trump said. "It's true, true. You know. Might as well say it."

He added, "It's a little hard to sell tickets when you think you're going to be nuked." CNN reported that these remarks came during a 2018 rally in Pennsylvania.

Speaking at the same rally, Trump also praised South Korea for doing "a great job" with the Olympic Games and highlighted the demonstration of unity between North and South Korea. "It was great to see North Korea going and participating," Trump said. "And there was a nice unity. It was really a nice thing," CNN noted.

Earlier, Trump and South Korea had announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had made a direct overture for talks between leaders of all three countries, a move seen as a potentially significant development in the ongoing nuclear standoff in the region, CNN reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the Olympic moment was positive, we shouldn't forget that North Korea's nuclear threat continues. Diplomatic efforts need to be consistent, not just for photo ops. The region's stability affects all of Asia.
A
Arjun K
Trump taking credit as usual 😅 But honestly, any step toward reducing tensions in Korea is welcome. The nuclear threat is real and affects global security. Hope the talks actually materialize this time.
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Sarah B
As someone who watched those Olympics, the North-South unity was genuinely moving. The joint Korean team marching together gave me goosebumps. Sometimes sports can achieve what politics cannot.
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Vikram M
The mention of ticket sales dropping due to security concerns hits home. We've seen similar situations during tense periods in India. Public confidence is everything for major events.
M
Michael C
While the 2018 moment was positive, it's disappointing that no substantial progress followed. Hope the current talks lead to concrete denuclearization steps. The region needs lasting peace.

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