김정은 비핵화 의지 확약... 대북특사 방북 이후 한반도 정세 전망 - 우정엽 박사 대담

Joining us now to unpack everything from that announcement we have with us Dr. Woo Jung-yeop,... from the Sejong Institute. Thank you for joining us today.

My pleasure.

1 - So the third inter-Korean summit date has been set. September 18th to 20th, two nights and three days in Pyongyang. Let me get your initial reaction to this announcement.

2 - One of the most striking revelations from the press briefing were the details of Chung's conversations with Kim Jong-un. Kim is not only said to have reaffirmed his commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, he is said to have expressed frustration at why his intentions do not seem to have come across to the international community. Kim pointed out actions that the North has taken, such as blowing up the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, and the dismantling of a missile engine test site. He said he hopes those steps are recognized, but observers would say that rings hollow as these actions are not particularly significant. How seriously should we take his comments?

3 - Kim is said to have also expressed that he has a good relationship with Trump, echoing what Trump has said in the past. He also stressed he wants to end the 70-year hostile relationship with the U.S. Does this suggest that Kim really wants to continue talking with the U.S.?

4 - The issue of a declaration to end the Korean War was also addressed in the press briefing. Kim is said to have expressed understanding that the end of the Korean War is a separate issue to the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and U.S. forces being in South Korea. This seems to be sending a message that Kim will not demand the removal of the U.S. presence from South Korea in denuclearization talks. How significant is this?

5 - Chung also revealed that they had agreed with North Korea to open the joint liaison office before the summit in two weeks time. Seoul must have gotten the greenlight from Washington for this, no?

6 - How do you think the U.S. will react to what was announced today?

6a - Do you think there has been enough positivity to possibly restart talks between North Korea and U.S.? Will we see Pompeo go to North Korea?

7 - Kim directly asked Chung to pass a message on to the U.S. This has firmly put South Korea's role as mediator in place, would you not agree? How important is that role?

8 - The date for the summit has been set. There is pressure for a substantial outcome to come from that. What should be we looking out for?

9 - In recent weeks, President Trump has blamed China for interfering and influencing North Korea to be more difficult in negotiations. There hasn't been any news on that issue from Chung's trip. Do you think China will continue its drive to make things difficult?