During his Asia trip, Donald Trump seemed eager to reconnect with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un. The two leaders once famously exchanged what Trump called “love letters.” Yet, Kim’s response to this latest overture appeared to be as chilly as a winter in Pyongyang.

In 2018, global tensions between the United States and North Korea were high. Then suddenly, Trump changed the tone, telling an enthusiastic crowd in Virginia, “I like him. He likes me too… and then we fell in love. Okay? No, really. He wrote me beautiful letters.”

By 2019, Trump created history by stepping over the North Korean border, sharing a friendly pat with Kim during the brief encounter. It was quite a moment.

As he embarked on his current trip, which included stops in Malaysia and Japan, Trump expressed his desire for another meeting with Kim.

“I’ll Be in South Korea”

While on Air Force One, on his way to Malaysia, Trump shared with reporters, “I had a good relationship with him. I’d love to see him if he wants to. If he even gets this message. We haven’t said anything official, but he knows I’m coming. If he’d like to meet, I’d love to.” With a playful grin, he added, “If you guys want to put the word out, I’m open to it. I’ll be in South Korea.”

But from Pyongyang, there was no reply—just silence. Confirmations from U.S. and South Korean officials indicated the same—radio silence.

Trump, ever the optimist, thought perhaps lifting some missile-related sanctions might bring Kim to the table. “That’s pretty significant to start with,” he said. “About as big as it gets.”

Kim’s Side-Eye

Though Kim didn’t respond directly, he did drop a little hint in the state media. Essentially, he suggested a willingness to talk peace, provided the U.S. moves on from the denuclearization issue and takes North Korea as it is.

Despite this stalemate, South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae Myung, held onto hope that Trump and Kim’s dynamic could ease tensions and prevent any further missile tests. Lee took over as president in June, after Yoon Suk Yeol’s departure.

Seoul’s reunification minister was optimistic too, indicating there is a “considerable” chance of Trump and Kim meeting again.

Cruise Missiles and a No-Show

Fast forward to Wednesday, just before Trump’s arrival in South Korea. North Korea announced it test-fired cruise missiles off its west coast, sending a clear message: “We’re still here, and not afraid.”

Candid as always, Trump confirmed later there would be no meeting, citing timing issues. “I know Kim very well… we just couldn’t work out the timing,” he acknowledged.

Nevertheless, Trump met with President Lee to discuss improving North-South relations. Lee expressed gratitude for Trump’s diplomatic efforts, noting it brought a “real sense of warmth and peace” to the peninsula

Earlier on his flight from Japan, Trump remained hopeful, saying, “At some point, we’ll be involved with North Korea. I think they’d like to, and I’d like to.” Perhaps the time isn’t right now, but who knows what the future holds for these two leaders and their famous exchange of “love letters?”