The three-day visit by Pyongyang's delegation... led by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's younger
sister Kim Yo-jong... was a remarkable diplomatic breakthrough,... leading to hopes for a possible
first inter-Korean summit in a decade.
And to tell us more...
Dr. Bong Young-shik, a researcher at the Yonsei Institute for North Korean Studies,... joins
us in the studio today.
So good to see you.
Pleasure to be here.
1- Yesterday...
North Korea's high-level delegation, along with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, watched
the North
Korean Samjiyon Orchestra's performance in Seoul.
It was the last part of their schedule in South Korea.
How do you assess the two sides watching the North's concert together?
Any significant meaning?
2- Now,... there had been a
lot of speculation over the content of the North's performance...
with the South's request that it didn't contain any propaganda music.
The North's behavior was quite different two years ago when its concert was called off
in China due to propaganda issues.
How do you assess the North's overall behavior this time around in the South?
3- Let's shift our focus to a possible inter-Korean summit.
North Korea surprisingly suggested that President Moon visit Pyongyang to meet with North Korean
leader Kim Jong-un.
Can you tell us the significance of the invitation?
4- Now, Kim Yo-jong was actually a special envoy sent by Kim Jong-un,... why do you think
Kim Jong-un chose his younger sister?
Could it be to signify the importance of the summit talks proposal?
5- President Moon responded to Kim Jong-un's abrupt talks offer... by saying "Let's make
it happen once the conditions are met in the near future."
What does he mean by 'fostering a favorable condition'...?
Maybe North Korea-U.S. talks?
6- While having informal talks with Kim Yo-jong on Saturday,... he did not mention North Korea's
denuclearization.
How should we understand this?
7- Now the United States is very skeptical concerning the North's charm offensive.
Vice President Mike Pence did not meet
with the North's delegation during his visit to PyeongChang.
It sort of seemed Pence avoided them on purpose,... which
the White House denied.
Does this show Washington's firm stance?
8- In order for inter-Korean talks to be held,... should there first be diplomatic talks between
Pyongyang and Washington?
How do you think North Korea is reacting to this?
What is the North thinking?
9- Now... Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted a hardline stance towards North
Korea amid the thaw in relations between the two Koreas.
Abe was even accused of interfering in Korea's domestic affairs for saying military drills
between South Korea and U.S. should continue.
What can you assess about Japan's view on the recent events?
10- According to officials from South Korea's presidential office,... during Saturday's
meeting...
the North mentioned a pulling out of U.S. troops from
the South and a suspension of Seoul-Washington military drills.
After the PyeongChang Winter Olympics,...
U.S.-South Korea military drills could be a ticking
time bomb?
How do you see this?
11 - It is important to take into account domestic opinions as well.
We have
local elections coming up in June and if poll results are
not favorable towards an inter-Korean summit...
could we lose momentum...
towards summit talks?
12 - When do you think South Korea will send a special envoy to
North Korea?
13 - How
do you think the international community will react to
a possible inter-Korean summit?
Thank you
for
your insight today.
Sure thing.