US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. (Photo: EPA-EFE/VNA)

Pompeo told reporters at the White House that Kim indicated that he has prepared to denuclearize and understands that the current model doesn't work.

Pompeo said following next Tuesday summit in Singapore between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, he will fly on to China, Japan, and South Korea to brief the key regional players on the next steps in the diplomatic effort.

The same day US President Donald Trump said he would certainly invite the North Korean leader to the US if next week's nuclear summit in Singapore goes well. Trump said he and Kim will likely reach a deal to end the Korean war at the meeting.