All of this,... comes after the leaders of the two Koreas opened the new year by expressing
a willingness to improve inter-Korean relations.
All eyes are on whether this will evolve into an easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula.
For more, we are joined by our unification ministry correspondent Hwang Sung-hee in the
studio.
So Sung-hee, let's start with a recap of the recent developments between the two Koreas.
For now, both Koreas seem to be in the mood for talks.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made an apparent proposal for a summit in his New Year's speech.
He was expected to show a willingness for improving inter-Korean ties in the speech,
but this was quite unexpected.
"Under the right mood and conditions, there is no reason for us to hold back from the
highest-level talks.
We will put our utmost efforts into practical progress in dialogue and negotiations."
This came just three days after South Korea made an offer for talks.
South Korean Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae again reiterated Seoul's hopes for any form
of dialogue with Pyongyang following Kim's speech.
Since then, we haven't seen any criticism of South Korea by the North through its state-run
media.
What about Washington's newest sanctions on North Korea?
Will this affect the new momentum between two Koreas?
Washington named three entities, including North Korea's military intelligence agency
and sanctioned 10 people with links to weapons sales and proliferation.
South Korea's foreign ministry called the sanctions an "appropriate response," saying
such cyberattacks that damage private interests can not be tolerated.
Some say this could kill any momentum for talks, while others say North Korea is targeting
Washington.
"At this stage, North Korea is using a two-sided strategy by pressuring the U.S. to staying
out of issues related to the Korean peninsula and creating a mood for dialogue with the
South."
As we saw in Connie's report, North Korea has been dishing out criticisms of the U.S.
over the last few days but has not made one negative remark about South Korea.
What else could come in the way of improving inter-Korean ties?
There are two key events in the beginning of the year to watch out for.
South Korea and the U.S. are expected to conduct their annual joint military exercises in late
February, which could raise tensions back up on the Korean peninsula.
North Korea has always protested the drills and in his New Year's speech, Kim Jong-un
demanded that Seoul call off the plans.
Another potential source of contention is the opening of a UN human rights office in
Seoul in March.
Still, many analysts don't expect Pyongyang to launch a provocation so soon.
"There's nothing particular on the horizon that North Korea would have to respond to.
So I think in many ways, we are still on the positive side of the cycle.
I don't anticipate too many provocations from the North, but of course you never know."
Analysts say the next 50 days will be crucial -- that's the time leading up to the joint
drills.
If the Koreas fail to make progress by then, they say North Korea could follow through
on its threats to carry out another nuclear test.
What should we expect in terms of inter-Korean ties in 2015?
Kim Jong-un will seek a breakthrough from the North's current diplomatic isolation through
South Korea, and President Park will want to make some progress with North Korea during
her third year in office.
Analysts don't expect a summit right away but definitely more dialogue at the lower
levels to discuss the issue of reunions for war-separated families, the lifting of sanctions
and the resumption of South Korean tours to Mount Kumgang.
There could be more joint cultural events to mark the 70th year of independence and
the 70th year of the division of the Korean peninsula.
We are also waiting to see if the two leaders will accept Russia's invitation to its 70th
anniversary of the end of the World War II, although many doubt the possibility of seeing
them in Moscow together.
It definitely seems like there's a lot to look forward to.
Thank you, Sung-hee.