Rumors are swirling in South Korea over the upcoming visit to North Korea for direct talks by U.S. special envoy Stephen Bosworth slated for Dec. 8.

Reports on the possible extension of the U.S. official's stay, from one and a half days initially announced by the U.S. State Department to three days claimed by a senior Seoul official, have fueled various speculations about the rare one-on-one between Washington and Pyongyang.

Many news outlets, including Seoul's Yonhap news agency, said that Bosworth's extra day in Pyongyang could open the possibility of him meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

The reports also pointed out that the prolonged bilateral talks could involve in-depth negotiations on the nuclear issue, despite the Obama administration's repeated statements that the talks would be nothing more than a chance to "explore each other's demands" and "make notes of possible negotiation strategies."

Some also cited U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent statement on Washington's willingness to explore "normalization of relations, a peace treaty and economic development assistance," speculating that the U.S. could directly negotiate a deal with the reclusive regime.

Seoul's Foreign Ministry has yet to confirm the exact duration of Bosworth's stay in the North, saying it is only a matter of time before there will be an official announcement from Washington.

The upcoming talks are being closely eyed by the South as even a one-day extension could mean a stark change in the bilateral dialogue.