DMZ: Donald Trump steps into North Korea with Kim Jong Un

By Steve George, Jessie Yeung, James Griffiths, Kevin Liptak and Joshua Berlinger, CNN

Updated 8:39 p.m. ET, June 30, 2019
89 Posts
Sort byDropdown arrow
6:36 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump tweets about "great honor" standing on North Korean soil

From CNN's Betsy Klein in Seoul

During his journey back to America, US President Donald Trump has tweeted about his trip to the DMZ.

He said it was a "great honor" to stand "on the soil of North Korea," which he described as "an important statement for all."

6:20 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump leaves South Korea

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart South Korea in Osan Air Base.
US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart South Korea in Osan Air Base. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

President Trump has departed South Korea, concluding his four-day, three-night visit to Asia.

Air Force One left Osan Air Base at 6:09 a.m. ET (7:09 p.m. local time), roughly 90 minutes behind schedule.

Trump was originally due back in Washington D.C. at 8:15 p.m. ET.

6:05 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump's 20 steps into North Korea

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump walk together into North Korean territory at the DMZ.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump walk together into North Korean territory at the DMZ. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump crossed the low stone curb separating the North and South at 3:45 p.m. local time, making his way alongside a grinning Kim into a country that's long been a global pariah for its nuclear ambitions and dismal record on human rights.

In total Trump took 20 steps into North Korea, making history as the first serving US leader to set foot in the hermit kingdom.

The event, seemingly spontaneous and broadcast live, took to a new level Trump's showman instincts and view of diplomacy as a test of interpersonal skills.

Later, Trump said he was "proud to step over the line" and thanked Kim for the meeting. He invited him to the White House, though later acknowledged such a visit would likely not come soon.

You can read more about the historic moment here:

5:47 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump inviting Kim Jong Un to South Korea's territory was "surprising"

Special adviser to South Korean President Moon Jae-In, Chung-in Moon, told CNN that he was "surprised" to see US President Donald Trump invite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un onto South Korean territory.

He added that it was also "quite unusual and quite surprising" to see Trump in the Freedom House with Kim "which belongs to South Korean territory."

"I think what happened this afternoon of today really shows that the military demarcation line is an artificial one," Chung-In told CNN.

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the DMZ.
US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the DMZ.  Dong-A Ilbo via Getty Images

5:29 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump speaks to US troops

US President Donald Trump with US service members stationed in South Korea in Osan Air Base.
US President Donald Trump with US service members stationed in South Korea in Osan Air Base. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump has told US troops at South Korea's Osan Air Base that his "unexpected" meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "great."

"That's a great country with tremendous potential," the US President said. "I have a good relationship with chairman Kim, they were giving us a great briefing at the DMZ."

As for his walk into North Korean territory, Trump called it a "historic moment and a very good moment."

"Everybody was so happy and many people I noticed from Korea were literally in tears, crying."

5:16 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump arrives at Osan Air Base

US President Donald Trump has arrived at Osan Air Base, south of South Korea's capital, Seoul.

Here he'll deliver brief remarks to US troops.

5:16 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Blue House shares photos of Trump's visit to DMZ

The Blue House -- the South Korean presidential office -- has tweeted photos of US President Donald Trump meeting troops at the demilitarized zone (DMZ), along with photos of Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-In signing the wall of the base.

Moon signed his name next to Trump's along with "The ROK-US alliance (is) together for security and peace."

4:56 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump leaves DMZ

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

US President Donald Trump has departed the Korean demilitarized zone after a historic crossing of the North Korea border and longer-than-expected talks with Kim Jong Un.

He is en route to Osan Air Base south of Seoul, where he will deliver brief remarks to US troops.

US President Donald Trump walking towards Marine One.
US President Donald Trump walking towards Marine One. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

4:44 a.m. ET, June 30, 2019

Trump says he hopes NK negotiators are still alive

From CNN's Kevin Liptak and Will Ripley

US President Donald Trump says he “thinks” the North Korean negotiators whom his team dealt with in earlier talks are still alive.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Kim Jong Un, Trump said at least one -- he didn’t name him -- was verified to be living.

“I think they are. I can tell you the main person is,” Trump said. "I would hope the rest are too.”

South Korea's largest newspaper said earlier this month that a North Korean diplomat involved in the US talks had been executed by firing squad. But CNN later confirmed he is alive and in state custody, according to several sources familiar with the situation.

Another official reported to be purged, Kim Yong Chol, was later photographed at an art performance with Kim Jong Un.

North Korea chief negotiator Kim Yong Chol (circled) appears at an art event, after reports of a purge.
North Korea chief negotiator Kim Yong Chol (circled) appears at an art event, after reports of a purge. Rodong Sinmun

Trump said Sunday the two sides had agreed to restart working-level talks. The US side will be led by Stephen Biegun, who was already responsible for negotiations with North Korea.

It’s unclear whether North Korea’s team will also remain the same.