The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.

■ (3rd LD) Trump says he will meet N. Korea's Kim this year, puts N.K. nukes at 57

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5-6, 20-24; CHANGES photo)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year, while noting that Pyongyang has 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons, marking the first time he has cited a specific figure for the recalcitrant regime's nuclear arsenal.

Trump made the remarks during a press availability at the White House, a day after The Wall Street Journal reported that he is pushing his aides for a meeting with Kim, which could happen during his next trip to Asia, likely to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit set to take place in Shenzhen, China, in November.

■ Lee says respects Trump's decision to promote dialogue with N.K. through scaled-back military exercises

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung has said he respects U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to create the conditions for dialogue with North Korea by going as far as scaling back South Korea-U.S. military exercises.

Lee made the remark in a post on his X account late Wednesday, hours after the allies announced their decision to cut short the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise at Trump's orders.

■ Seoul shares up over 6 pct late Thu. morning on chip rally

SEOUL -- Seoul shares traded more than 6 percent higher late Thursday morning as investors snapped up major chipmakers, including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, amid expectations for stronger shareholder returns from chip giants.

After opening 3.23 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) extended its gains, rising 401.44 points, or 6.2 percent, to 6,872.61 as of 11:20 a.m.

■ (LEAD) N. Korea typically estimated to have 80-120 nuclear weapons: defense minister

SEOUL -- North Korea is estimated to have around 80 to 120 nuclear weapons, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Thursday, declining to offer a specific figure.

Ahn made the remarks during a parliamentary session, after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Pyongyang possesses 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons. It marked the first time Trump has cited a specific figure regarding the North's nuclear arsenal.

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
  • (2nd LD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices
  • BIGBANG named honorary ambassador for space agency

  • U.S. favorability for BTS hits record 46 pct in Q2: poll

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War

  • Trump signs memo permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to 2 U.S. ships in their shipyards
  • (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

  • Bill Gates in S. Korea to discuss cooperation in next-generation nuclear reactors

  • Death penalty sought for woman accused of killing 2 men with laced drinks

  • Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho
  • (3rd LD) Trump says he will meet N. Korea's Kim this year, puts N.K. nukes at 57
  • (LEAD) N.K. leader's sister says Pyongyang more focused on S. Korea-U.S. drills continuing than reduced scale
  • N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' measures despite Trump's order to reduce drills with S. Korea