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'Cheong Wa Dae to announce Kim's Seoul visit as early as Sunday': report

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's Seoul visit seems to be not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when."Korea Times file photo

By Park Si-soo

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's Seoul visit seems to be not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when."

Various rumors have been swirling around in recent days, predicting the date of his visit, places to see and where he will stay, among other items on his "detailed itinerary" here. Despite repeated calls for clarification, however, Cheong Wa Dae has remained tight-lipped on the subject, even refusing to say "yes or no" when asked whether the visit will actually take place.

Against this backdrop, a local newspaper has revealed what it claims are "fixed details" of Kim's Seoul trip.

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Citing an unidentified "high-ranking government official," the Segye Ilbo reported Saturday that he will come to Seoul, Dec. 13 or 14, for a two- to three-day visit. It added the presidential office will make an announcement on the North Korean leader's visit as early as Sunday.

"It has been decided that Kim will come to Seoul later next week ― Dec. 13 or 14. Out of the two dates 13 is more likely," the official was quoted as saying. "The presidential office, military and police are working together on issues regarding security and diplomatic protocol."

The official said the duration of Kim's visit has not been determined yet.

"If he comes on the 13th, it's likely that he will be here until the 15th. If his arrival is delayed to the 14th, he will spend one night here and the return (to the North) on the 15th," he said.

Another official also said Cheong Wa Dae will announce details of the visit "as early as Sunday." The official added that shortly after the announcement, the North will send an advance delegation to Seoul to check on security and protocol among other issues.

Cehong Wa Dae denied the report. In a text message sent to reporters, senior presidential secretary for public relations Yoon Young-chan said the Segye Ilbo report was "not true."

"We have various scenarios on hands to cope with any situation that may take place," Yoon wrote. "As yet, we have not received any notification from the North."