SINGAPORE ― The United States and North Korea have been engaged in a last-minute tit-for-tat to gain a better position ahead of the June 12 summit here.
Reuters reported Sunday night that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un plans to depart from Singapore at 2 p.m., only five hours after the designated start time of the summit ― 9 a.m. at the Capella Hotel.
The news agency indicated that the source was from North Korea. It has previously correctly reported Kim's departure and arrival on Sunday.
That report was followed by U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that Kim has a "one-time chance" to do something great for his people. Trump made that remark just before departing for Singapore.
Trump also said that he would know whether Kim was serious or not within a minute of meeting him. "I am not going to waste my time," he said. "I am not going to waste his time."
The two leaders are staying 570 meters away from each other ― Trump at Shangri-La and Kim at St. Regis.
Officials of the two countries were trying to work out differences on the extent of the North's denuclearization and a U.S. compensation package in return.
Meanwhile, Kim met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Sunday. Trump is scheduled to meet him this afternoon.