Moon may meet with Kim Yong Nam one-on-one: Cheong Wa Dae

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Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in is considering a one-on-one meeting with top Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) official Kim Yong Nam, Yonhap quoted a Cheong Wa Dae official as saying on Monday.

Kim is scheduled to lead a high-level delegation to attend the PyeongChang Winter Olympics this week.

"President Moon will be meeting with Kim, beginning with the Olympic opening ceremony," the official of the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.

"But it is something that should be discussed with the North's (DPRK's) advance delegation whether Kim will separately pay a visit to President Moon."

The DPRK earlier on Monday confirmed Kim, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, will visit the ROK to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, which begins on Friday.

File photo: Kim Yong Nam, near left, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrives in Russia to attend the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on February 6, 2014. /VCG Photo

According to Yonhap, another Cheong Wa Dae official said the decision had not been made yet. "As it has just been announced, we need to review it," the official stated.

The official added that the DPRK's decision to send Kim is a positive signal.

"The fact that North Korea's (DPRK's) constitutional head of state is coming not only sends a message to the South (ROK), but it also includes a message to overseas countries," the official added.

As for the possibility of Kim meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence, who will also attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics, officials declined to comment.

"This is not something that the South Korean government should comment on."