President Joe Biden, speaking in Seoul before his first trip to Asia as president, had a simple message for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: On the final day of his visit to South Korea, he greeted reporters, “Hello… period.”

Biden stated that he is “unconcerned” about additional nuclear tests by North Korea, which would be the first in nearly five years.

When asked what message he had for Kim, he replied with a wry smile, underscoring the administration’s low-key attitude to the unresolved issues with North Korea. Former President Donald Trump’s theatrical threats, summits, and “love letters” to Kim stand in stark contrast.

Neither president’s approach has resulted in a substantial breakthrough, nor has North Korea resumed testing of its largest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), despite intelligence allegations that it is planning a new nuclear test.

Biden stated, “We are prepared for anything North Korea does.”

In reaction to the North’s weapons tests, Biden and his new South Korean counterpart, President Yoon Suk-yeol, agreed to consider larger military drills and perhaps deploying more nuclear-capable American weaponry to the region.

Biden stated on Saturday that North Korea had not reacted to US overtures, including offers of COVID-19 vaccines, and that he was willing to meet with Kim if he thought it would lead to a meaningful breakthrough.

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