North Korea and South Korea will hold high-level talks on Wednesday to discuss steps needed to uphold the pledge to denuclearise the Korean peninsula, South Korea said.

The meeting will focus on plans to implement a declaration that emerged from an April 27 inter-Korea summit, including promises to formally end the Koran War and pursue "complete denuclearisation", the South's unification ministry, which handles ties with the North, said on Tuesday.

North Korea has said it will dismantle its nuclear bomb test site sometime between May 23 and May 25 in order to uphold its pledge to cease tests, its state media reported on Saturday, a month ahead of a planned North Korea-US&nbspsummit in Singapore.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet on June 12, a scenario that until recently looked impossible given the insults and threats the two leaders exchanged over the past year as tension rose over the North's relentless work on its missile and nuclear programmes.

But North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called in a New Year’s speech for a reduction in military tension, beginning a rapid easing of tension.

North Koreans appeared optimistic about the summit, the chief of the UN&nbspWorld Food Programme (WFP), David Beasley, told reporters in Seoul after a trip to the North.

"I think they're hopeful. I think everyone on the ground there was hopeful," Beasley said when asked whether the North Koreans he met had mentioned anything about the summit.

Beasley, who visited the North from May 8 to May 11, said WFP officials had been granted "unprecedented access" to some areas and had held "open, candid and frank discussions" with officials there.

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the United States would agree to lift sanctions on North Korea if it agreed to completely dismantle its nuclear weapons programme, a move that would create economic prosperity that "will rival" that of South Korea.

Last month, Pompeo became the first known US official to meet North Korean leader Kim, where he helped lay the groundwork for the meeting with Trump.

He returned again to North Korea this month for a second meeting, after which Kim agreed to the release of three American prisoners.

Something big

A South Korean presidential adviser warned that an incremental North Korean approach to denuclearisation at the June 12 summit would not be acceptable to Trump or the South Korean public.

"When Kim Jong Un sees President Trump in Singapore, he should give something big," the security adviser, Moon Chung-in, said at a conference in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, disarmament experts have raised questions about the safety and verification of North Korea's shutdown of its nuclear test site.

North Korea has invited international media to witness the destruction of the site, but not technical inspectors, leaving disarmament experts and nuclear scientists wondering how effective the plan is – and whether it will be safe.

On Tuesday, North Korea invited one news agency and one television broadcaster from South Korea to observe the shutdown, the South's Ministry of Unification said.

South Koreans cannot visit North Korea without an invitation from the North and approval from their government.

Wednesday's meeting will take place at the Peace House in Panmunjom, on the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas, where the two sides signed their joint-declaration last month, the unification ministry said in a statement.

"Through these high-level talks we will negotiate and implement measures to carry out the Panmunjom Declaration and build sustainable development for inter-Korean relations and permanent peace on the Korean peninsula," the ministry said.

South Korea's Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon will lead a team of five at the talks.

North Korea's 29-member delegation will be led by Ri Son-gwon, chairman of its "Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the country". Also in the delegation will be Kim Yun-hyok, vice minister of railways, and Won Kil-U, vice minister of physical culture and sports

The meeting will focus on plans to implement declarations emerged from an April 27 inter-Korea summit, including promises to formally end the Koran War

North Korea and South Korea will hold high-level talks on Wednesday to discuss steps needed to uphold the pledge to denuclearise the Korean peninsula, South Korea said. The meeting will focus on plans to implement a declaration that emerged from an April 27 inter-Korea summit, including promises to formally end the Koran War and pursue "complete denuclearisation", the South's unification ministry, which handles ties with the North, said on Tuesday. North Korea has said it will dismantle its nuclear bomb test site sometime between May 23 and May 25 in order to uphold its pledge to cease tests, its state media reported on Saturday, a month ahead of a planned North Korea-US&nbspsummit in Singapore. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet on June 12, a scenario that until recently looked impossible given the insults and threats the two leaders exchanged over the past year as tension rose over the North's relentless work on its missile and nuclear programmes. But North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called in a New Year’s speech for a reduction in military tension, beginning a rapid easing of tension. North Koreans appeared optimistic about the summit, the chief of the UN&nbspWorld Food Programme (WFP), David Beasley, told reporters in Seoul after a trip to the North. "I think they're hopeful. I think everyone on the ground there was hopeful," Beasley said when asked whether the North Koreans he met had mentioned anything about the summit. Beasley, who visited the North from May 8 to May 11, said WFP officials had been granted "unprecedented access" to some areas and had held "open, candid and frank discussions" with officials there. US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the United States would agree to lift sanctions on North Korea if it agreed to completely dismantle its nuclear weapons programme, a move that would create economic prosperity that "will rival" that of South Korea. Last month, Pompeo became the first known US official to meet North Korean leader Kim, where he helped lay the groundwork for the meeting with Trump. He returned again to North Korea this month for a second meeting, after which Kim agreed to the release of three American prisoners. Something big A South Korean presidential adviser warned that an incremental North Korean approach to denuclearisation at the June 12 summit would not be acceptable to Trump or the South Korean public. "When Kim Jong Un sees President Trump in Singapore, he should give something big," the security adviser, Moon Chung-in, said at a conference in Tokyo. Meanwhile, disarmament experts have raised questions about the safety and verification of North Korea's shutdown of its nuclear test site. North Korea has invited international media to witness the destruction of the site, but not technical inspectors, leaving disarmament experts and nuclear scientists wondering how effective the plan is – and whether it will be safe. On Tuesday, North Korea invited one news agency and one television broadcaster from South Korea to observe the shutdown, the South's Ministry of Unification said. South Koreans cannot visit North Korea without an invitation from the North and approval from their government. Wednesday's meeting will take place at the Peace House in Panmunjom, on the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas, where the two sides signed their joint-declaration last month, the unification ministry said in a statement. "Through these high-level talks we will negotiate and implement measures to carry out the Panmunjom Declaration and build sustainable development for inter-Korean relations and permanent peace on the Korean peninsula," the ministry said. South Korea's Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon will lead a team of five at the talks. North Korea's 29-member delegation will be led by Ri Son-gwon, chairman of its "Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the country". Also in the delegation will be Kim Yun-hyok, vice minister of railways, and Won Kil-U, vice minister of physical culture and sports

Two Koreas to hold talks as North prepares to shut test site

Japan and North Korea should begin talks to normalise relations between the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a Japanese newspaper on Tuesday.

"In particular, I think dialogue between Japan and North Korea should be resumed," Moon said in the interview with the Yomiuri newspaper.

"If Japan-North Korea relations are normalised, that would greatly contribute to peace and security in Northeast Asia beyond the Korean peninsula," he said in written answers to questions submitted by the newspaper.

At Moon's summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation. Kim said during that meeting he was "ready to have a dialogue with Japan anytime", Moon told the newspaper.

There was no immediate comment from the Japanese government, which has called Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programmes the toughest security threat facing Japan since World War Two.

Moon's interview was conducted ahead of a summit on Wednesday between Moon, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Tokyo.

North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda but a Chinese diplomat said last week the talks were about regional cooperation and not focused on the Korean peninsula

Nevertheless, months of frosty relations between Beijing and Pyongyang appear to have thawed since Kim's secretive visit to Beijing in March, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Analysts said Kim's meeting with Xi strengthened North Korea's negotiating position by aligning the two nations ahead of Kim's summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump in the coming weeks.

A high-ranking North Korean official visited the Chinese city of Dalian this week, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said on Tuesday, citing multiple anonymous sources.

The North Korean official flew in a private plane and arrived at Dalian airport on Monday amid heavy security, Yonhap said. It did not identify the official.

In the interview, Moon said Kim's desire for "complete denuclearisation" laid the groundwork for the future summit between the United States and North Korea, although it remained to be seen if concrete steps were agreed at the talks.

Trump has said he will maintain sanctions and pressure on the North and "not repeat the mistakes of past administrations", and has said his tough stance had led to the breakthrough.

Moon said Kim was "a very open and practical person" and both leaders had a mutual goal for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

"From now on, based on our deep mutual trust, we'll make bold steps toward peace and prosperity, and unification," Moon said.

At Moon's summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation

Japan and North Korea should begin talks to normalise relations between the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a Japanese newspaper on Tuesday. "In particular, I think dialogue between Japan and North Korea should be resumed," Moon said in the interview with the Yomiuri newspaper. "If Japan-North Korea relations are normalised, that would greatly contribute to peace and security in Northeast Asia beyond the Korean peninsula," he said in written answers to questions submitted by the newspaper. At Moon's summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation. Kim said during that meeting he was "ready to have a dialogue with Japan anytime", Moon told the newspaper. There was no immediate comment from the Japanese government, which has called Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programmes the toughest security threat facing Japan since World War Two. Moon's interview was conducted ahead of a summit on Wednesday between Moon, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Tokyo. North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda but a Chinese diplomat said last week the talks were about regional cooperation and not focused on the Korean peninsula Nevertheless, months of frosty relations between Beijing and Pyongyang appear to have thawed since Kim's secretive visit to Beijing in March, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts said Kim's meeting with Xi strengthened North Korea's negotiating position by aligning the two nations ahead of Kim's summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump in the coming weeks. A high-ranking North Korean official visited the Chinese city of Dalian this week, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said on Tuesday, citing multiple anonymous sources. The North Korean official flew in a private plane and arrived at Dalian airport on Monday amid heavy security, Yonhap said. It did not identify the official. In the interview, Moon said Kim's desire for "complete denuclearisation" laid the groundwork for the future summit between the United States and North Korea, although it remained to be seen if concrete steps were agreed at the talks. Trump has said he will maintain sanctions and pressure on the North and "not repeat the mistakes of past administrations", and has said his tough stance had led to the breakthrough. Moon said Kim was "a very open and practical person" and both leaders had a mutual goal for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. "From now on, based on our deep mutual trust, we'll make bold steps toward peace and prosperity, and unification," Moon said.

Japan and North Korea should talk, South Korea's Moon says

According to North Korean state media, the country has slammed the United States for claiming that Washington's sanctions on Pyongyang and political pressure on the Kim Jong-Un regime led North Korea to the negotiating table.

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson noted that such claims are dangerous and may pose threat to the budding peace and reconciliation process in the Korean peninsula.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic summit in Panmunjom last week.

In a joint declaration after the talks, the two leaders officially inaugurated a document formally called the 'Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula'.

The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries.

The South Korean President is also slated to visit Pyongyang later this year, according to a statement released by his presidential office.

Kim Jong-Un on April 21 announced to suspend its nuclear tests and inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.

Kim and President Donald Trump are also expected to meet later this month or in early June.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries

According to North Korean state media, the country has slammed the United States for claiming that Washington's sanctions on Pyongyang and political pressure on the Kim Jong-Un regime led North Korea to the negotiating table. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson noted that such claims are dangerous and may pose threat to the budding peace and reconciliation process in the Korean peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic summit in Panmunjom last week. In a joint declaration after the talks, the two leaders officially inaugurated a document formally called the 'Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula'. The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries. The South Korean President is also slated to visit Pyongyang later this year, according to a statement released by his presidential office. Kim Jong-Un on April 21 announced to suspend its nuclear tests and inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. Kim and President Donald Trump are also expected to meet later this month or in early June. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington's claims threaten peace process in Korean peninsula: North Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have discussed bilateral relationship and achieving peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula in a telephonic conversation on Friday.

Moon briefed Xi on the feat of the historic inter-Korean Summit, held last week, reported China's state-run news agency.

Moon underscored that the "successful summit has reached broad consensuses on improving the inter-Korean relations, promoting the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism."

According to the report, the South Korean President praised Xi Jinping's role in helping Seoul and Pyongyang reach an agreement on denuclearisation.

Xi laid emphasis on the bilateral ties, saying that Beijing is willing to boost the relationship between the two countries by enhancing communication with South Korea, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic summit last week in Panmunjom n the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the world's most heavily guarded border, separating the two countries.

The inter-Korean summit was also unique as it was the first time in over a decade that it was being held. The previous two summits were held in 2000 and 2007 in North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It was also the first time that the summit was being held in South Korea.

In a joint declaration after the talks, the two leaders officially inaugurated a document formally called the 'Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula'.

The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries.

The South Korean President is also slated to visit Pyongyang later this year, according to a statement released by his presidential office.

Kim Jong-Un on April 21 announced to suspend its nuclear tests and inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.

Following that, on April 29 South Korean President Moon Jae-in's chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan confirmed that Punggye-ri nuclear site will be closed down by May amidst the presence of public and foreign experts from South Korea and the United States.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Moon underscored that the 'successful summit has reached broad consensuses on improving the inter-Korean relations, promoting the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have discussed bilateral relationship and achieving peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula in a telephonic conversation on Friday. Moon briefed Xi on the feat of the historic inter-Korean Summit, held last week, reported China's state-run news agency. Moon underscored that the "successful summit has reached broad consensuses on improving the inter-Korean relations, promoting the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism." According to the report, the South Korean President praised Xi Jinping's role in helping Seoul and Pyongyang reach an agreement on denuclearisation. Xi laid emphasis on the bilateral ties, saying that Beijing is willing to boost the relationship between the two countries by enhancing communication with South Korea, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic summit last week in Panmunjom n the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the world's most heavily guarded border, separating the two countries. The inter-Korean summit was also unique as it was the first time in over a decade that it was being held. The previous two summits were held in 2000 and 2007 in North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It was also the first time that the summit was being held in South Korea. In a joint declaration after the talks, the two leaders officially inaugurated a document formally called the 'Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula'. The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries. The South Korean President is also slated to visit Pyongyang later this year, according to a statement released by his presidential office. Kim Jong-Un on April 21 announced to suspend its nuclear tests and inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. Following that, on April 29 South Korean President Moon Jae-in's chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan confirmed that Punggye-ri nuclear site will be closed down by May amidst the presence of public and foreign experts from South Korea and the United States.

Xi, Moon discuss bilateral ties, denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his American counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on May 22.

Both the leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House stated on Friday.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;on Friday, Trump told reporters that the date and location were set for a meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un. The details of the meeting will be announced soon.

According to the White House, the historic summit between Trump and Kim could take place this month, as long as North Korea fulfils the conditions made by the United States with respect to its nuclear program and other areas of contention.

"We're having very substantive talks with North Korea and a lot of things have already happened with respect to the (US) hostages. I think you're going to see very good things," Trump noted on Friday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The two leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his American counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on May 22. Both the leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House stated on Friday. Meanwhile, on Friday, Trump told reporters that the date and location were set for a meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un. The details of the meeting will be announced soon. According to the White House, the historic summit between Trump and Kim could take place this month, as long as North Korea fulfils the conditions made by the United States with respect to its nuclear program and other areas of contention. "We're having very substantive talks with North Korea and a lot of things have already happened with respect to the (US) hostages. I think you're going to see very good things," Trump noted on Friday. (With inputs from Reuters)

South Korea's Moon to meet Trump at White House on May 22

Weeks after historic Inter-Korea summit, North Korea has joined the time zone of South Korea bu resetting its clock by 30 minutes on Friday, reported France based news agency AFP citing state media.

The resetting&nbspof time is the first practical step that has been taken after the peace summit between North Korea and South Korea for a reconciliation and unity of both countries.

The different time zone was created in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule after World War Two.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea president Moon Jae-in pledged to take various steps to formally end the 1950-53 Korea war after the&nbsp27 April's&nbspInter-Korea Summit.

North Korea also surprised the world after Kim Jong-un promised to shut down its nuclear test site. It also assured that that denuclearisation process would take place with full transparency in presence of journalists and respective authorities.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un will also meet United States president Donald Trump.&nbsp

Trump on Friday told reporters that the date and location were set for a meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, which would be announced soon.

Another historic summit between the US and North Korea is expected to take place this month.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The resetting of time is the first practical step that has been taken after the peace summit between North Korea and South Korea for a reconciliation and unity of both countries

Weeks after historic Inter-Korea summit, North Korea has joined the time zone of South Korea bu resetting its clock by 30 minutes on Friday, reported France based news agency AFP citing state media. The resetting&nbspof time is the first practical step that has been taken after the peace summit between North Korea and South Korea for a reconciliation and unity of both countries. The different time zone was created in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule after World War Two. North Korea leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea president Moon Jae-in pledged to take various steps to formally end the 1950-53 Korea war after the&nbsp27 April's&nbspInter-Korea Summit. North Korea also surprised the world after Kim Jong-un promised to shut down its nuclear test site. It also assured that that denuclearisation process would take place with full transparency in presence of journalists and respective authorities. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un will also meet United States president Donald Trump. Trump on Friday told reporters that the date and location were set for a meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, which would be announced soon. Another historic summit between the US and North Korea is expected to take place this month.

As promised, North Korea joins South Korea time zone

Every event of Korean leaders' summit on April 27, 2018, was covered extensively by the media where they highlighted their pledge to end six decades of hostility. Airing their rhetoric about commitment to peace and "complete" denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and eventually achieve unification, looks too good, but too quick, to be true.

In a scripted ceremony, Kim Jong-un did become the first North Korean leader to walk across the demarcation line to South Korea since the Korean War of 1953. The war was halted by an armistice signed in 1953, but did not formally end through any permanent peace agreement. The declaration by both to work together for a "nuclear-free Korea", disarmament, as well as officially ending the war at Panmunjom in 2018 is a historical event, which may outwardly amuse population both sides, but it needs careful decoding.

How and why the event happened as per expected script?

South Korea was under maximum pressure due to war clouds over its territory because of hard line taken by North Korea and the US. Kim's adventurism with no noticeable control by China and Russia, a war of words and incremental sanctions by US and UN were making things worse in the Korean Peninsula. Mountain collapsing at the nuclear site and fear of radiation continue to add to the risk to nearby areas. Under immense pressure, South Korea was able to set the stage for Kim-Trump meet, which is possible only if this summit went off well on scripted lines. Under domestic pressure due to hard hitting sanctions, and nuclear test related dangers, Kim was also mentally prepared to follow the peace narrative.

Will this inter-Korean peace initiative work?

The United States, China and Russia welcomed the agreement as their first response. The criticism indicates that the document promises mutual disarmament "in a phased manner" to build trust, lacks any roadmap/timelines for implementation. It does not meet US expectation of "complete, verifiable and irreversible" dismantling of North Korea's nuclear weapons. Any real promise regarding dismantling of missiles and nuclear weapons was missing, and Kim's image of being nuclear powered dictator has remained intact. Irrespective of skeptics, this summit has set the tone for the Trump-Kim Summit, although some more diplomatic efforts will have to follow.

Beyond the optics

There were some difficulties, which made some ideas of the summit impractical. Here are some of them:

<ul>
	<li>While everyone will like to see the peace and prosperity of Koreans but neither China nor US will be keen for a unified Korea. This will also invite internal opposition in South Korea. China will not like a democratic unified Korea, balancing between US and China, whereas US will not like its foothold in Korea going away so easily.</li>
	<li>When North Korea threatened the US and Japan, the issue expanded beyond bilateral limits of North and South Korea, hence cannot be settled by them bilaterally. Any permanent solution has to be acceptable to US, China, Japan and Russia.</li>
	<li>When Armistice was signed in 1953, US and China representatives were present. The same is a must for lasting peace.</li>
	<li>Expecting Kim to give away the only leverage he has in terms of posing nuclear and missile threat to US, something which has forced President Trump to meet him, sounds unrealistic.</li>
</ul>

This event is a good beginning which has a face saving option for all parties unless a hard line is adopted by someone. The US and Japan are unlikely to be moved by optics and will be keen in eradication of threat to them, hence may not remove or soften sanctions, which Kim may be eyeing for by such niceties with South

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In a scripted ceremony, Kim Jong-un did become the first North Korean leader to walk across the DMZ to South Korea.

Every event of Korean leaders' summit on April 27, 2018, was covered extensively by the media where they highlighted their pledge to end six decades of hostility. Airing their rhetoric about commitment to peace and "complete" denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and eventually achieve unification, looks too good, but too quick, to be true. In a scripted ceremony, Kim Jong-un did become the first North Korean leader to walk across the demarcation line to South Korea since the Korean War of 1953. The war was halted by an armistice signed in 1953, but did not formally end through any permanent peace agreement. The declaration by both to work together for a "nuclear-free Korea", disarmament, as well as officially ending the war at Panmunjom in 2018 is a historical event, which may outwardly amuse population both sides, but it needs careful decoding. How and why the event happened as per expected script? South Korea was under maximum pressure due to war clouds over its territory because of hard line taken by North Korea and the US. Kim's adventurism with no noticeable control by China and Russia, a war of words and incremental sanctions by US and UN were making things worse in the Korean Peninsula. Mountain collapsing at the nuclear site and fear of radiation continue to add to the risk to nearby areas. Under immense pressure, South Korea was able to set the stage for Kim-Trump meet, which is possible only if this summit went off well on scripted lines. Under domestic pressure due to hard hitting sanctions, and nuclear test related dangers, Kim was also mentally prepared to follow the peace narrative. Will this inter-Korean peace initiative work? The United States, China and Russia welcomed the agreement as their first response. The criticism indicates that the document promises mutual disarmament "in a phased manner" to build trust, lacks any roadmap/timelines for implementation. It does not meet US expectation of "complete, verifiable and irreversible" dismantling of North Korea's nuclear weapons. Any real promise regarding dismantling of missiles and nuclear weapons was missing, and Kim's image of being nuclear powered dictator has remained intact. Irrespective of skeptics, this summit has set the tone for the Trump-Kim Summit, although some more diplomatic efforts will have to follow. Beyond the optics There were some difficulties, which made some ideas of the summit impractical. Here are some of them: While everyone will like to see the peace and prosperity of Koreans but neither China nor US will be keen for a unified Korea. This will also invite internal opposition in South Korea. China will not like a democratic unified Korea, balancing between US and China, whereas US will not like its foothold in Korea going away so easily. When North Korea threatened the US and Japan, the issue expanded beyond bilateral limits of North and South Korea, hence cannot be settled by them bilaterally. Any permanent solution has to be acceptable to US, China, Japan and Russia. When Armistice was signed in 1953, US and China representatives were present. The same is a must for lasting peace. Expecting Kim to give away the only leverage he has in terms of posing nuclear and missile threat to US, something which has forced President Trump to meet him, sounds unrealistic. This event is a good beginning which has a face saving option for all parties unless a hard line is adopted by someone. The US and Japan are unlikely to be moved by optics and will be keen in eradication of threat to them, hence may not remove or soften sanctions, which Kim may be eyeing for by such niceties with South (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Decoding the Kim and Moon summit for a nuclear free Korea

North Korea will shift its time zone 30 minutes earlier to align with South Korea starting May 5 "as a first practical step for national reconciliation and unity," the North's state media said Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said it was "a painful wrench" to see two clocks showing different Pyongyang and Seoul times on a wall at the summit venue during the historic meeting Friday with President Moon Jae-in, KCNA said.

Meanwhile, China will send the government's top diplomat, Wang Yi, to visit North Korea on Wednesday and Thursday this week, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

The time change report confirmed news from South Korean officials on Sunday that Kim pledged to scrap the northern time zone, which was created in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule after World War Two.

South Korea and Japan are in the same time zone, nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

"It is not an abstract meaning that the north and the south become one but it is just a process in which the north and the south turn their different and separated things into the same and single ones," Kim said, according to the dispatch.

At their summit Friday, Kim and Moon declared they would take steps to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended only with a truce, and work towards the "denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula. The declaration didn't offer any specifics on what that meant or how it would progress.

Much now hinges on Kim's upcoming summit with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who said the meeting could happen over the next three to four weeks. No location has been announced.

Kim also told Moon he would soon invite experts and journalists from the United States and South Korea when the country dismantles its Punggye-ri nuclear testing site, the Blue House said on Sunday.

North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests at the site, a series of tunnels dug into the mountains in the northeastern part of the country. Some experts and researchers have speculated that the most recent - and by far largest - blast in September had rendered the entire site unusable.

But Kim said there were two additional, larger tunnels that remain "in very good condition" beyond the existing one, which experts believe may have collapsed.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday he told Kim during their secret meeting at the beginning of April that North Korea would have to agree to take "irreversible" steps toward shutting its nuclear weapons program in any deal with the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said it was 'a painful wrench' to see two clocks showing different Pyongyang and Seoul times on a wall at the summit venue

North Korea will shift its time zone 30 minutes earlier to align with South Korea starting May 5 "as a first practical step for national reconciliation and unity," the North's state media said Monday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said it was "a painful wrench" to see two clocks showing different Pyongyang and Seoul times on a wall at the summit venue during the historic meeting Friday with President Moon Jae-in, KCNA said. Meanwhile, China will send the government's top diplomat, Wang Yi, to visit North Korea on Wednesday and Thursday this week, the foreign ministry said on Monday. The time change report confirmed news from South Korean officials on Sunday that Kim pledged to scrap the northern time zone, which was created in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule after World War Two. South Korea and Japan are in the same time zone, nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. "It is not an abstract meaning that the north and the south become one but it is just a process in which the north and the south turn their different and separated things into the same and single ones," Kim said, according to the dispatch. At their summit Friday, Kim and Moon declared they would take steps to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended only with a truce, and work towards the "denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula. The declaration didn't offer any specifics on what that meant or how it would progress. Much now hinges on Kim's upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump, who said the meeting could happen over the next three to four weeks. No location has been announced. Kim also told Moon he would soon invite experts and journalists from the United States and South Korea when the country dismantles its Punggye-ri nuclear testing site, the Blue House said on Sunday. North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests at the site, a series of tunnels dug into the mountains in the northeastern part of the country. Some experts and researchers have speculated that the most recent - and by far largest - blast in September had rendered the entire site unusable. But Kim said there were two additional, larger tunnels that remain "in very good condition" beyond the existing one, which experts believe may have collapsed. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday he told Kim during their secret meeting at the beginning of April that North Korea would have to agree to take "irreversible" steps toward shutting its nuclear weapons program in any deal with the United States.

North Korea to align with South's time zone as first practical step toward reconciliation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during Friday's summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would close the country's nuclear test site next month, Moon's office said.

"Kim said during the summit... That he would carry out the closing of the nuclear test site in May," reports said quoting Moon's spokesman&nbsp;on Sunday.&nbsp;

During Friday summit, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in agreed to work to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons.

Their summit came just months after warlike rhetoric from the North Korean leader.

The office also said North Korea would change its time zone - currently half an hour different - to match that of the South, a BBC report said.

"Kim said during the summit... That he would carry out the closing of the nuclear test site in May," Moon's spokesman told reporters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during Friday's summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would close the country's nuclear test site next month, Moon's office said. "Kim said during the summit... That he would carry out the closing of the nuclear test site in May," reports said quoting Moon's spokesman on Sunday. During Friday summit, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in agreed to work to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons. Their summit came just months after warlike rhetoric from the North Korean leader. The office also said North Korea would change its time zone - currently half an hour different - to match that of the South, a BBC report said.

North Korea to dismantle nuclear test site in May: South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has told South Korean president Moon Jae-in that he would shut his Nuclear weapons plan after United States promise not to invade North Korea The New York Times reported the South Korean government spokesperson saying on Sunday.

Kim Jong Un said this during a historic faith building summit with South Korean president Moon Jae-in at Panmunjom.

During that summit, he announced to close the country's nuclear test site in May in presence of experts and journalists from South Korea and the United States to make it more transparent. They also agreed to work to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons.

Their summit came just months after warlike rhetoric from the North Korean leader.

The office also said North Korea would change its time zone - currently half an hour different - to match that of the South, a BBC report said.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-Un has also agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, after the historic North-South Summit.&nbsp;

Abe told Moon that Tokyo intends to work to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang, adding that he hopes Moon will mediate if necessary, the Blue House said.

Kim Jong Un said this during a historic faith building summit with South Korean president Moon Jae-in at Panmunjom

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has told South Korean president Moon Jae-in that he would shut his Nuclear weapons plan after United States promise not to invade North Korea The New York Times reported the South Korean government spokesperson saying on Sunday. Kim Jong Un said this during a historic faith building summit with South Korean president Moon Jae-in at Panmunjom. During that summit, he announced to close the country's nuclear test site in May in presence of experts and journalists from South Korea and the United States to make it more transparent. They also agreed to work to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons. Their summit came just months after warlike rhetoric from the North Korean leader. The office also said North Korea would change its time zone - currently half an hour different - to match that of the South, a BBC report said. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-Un has also agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, after the historic North-South Summit. Abe told Moon that Tokyo intends to work to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang, adding that he hopes Moon will mediate if necessary, the Blue House said.

Kim Jong-un says he’ll denuclearise if US promises not to invade

US President Donald Trump on Saturday informed about his conversation with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the recent development on the Korean Peninsula.

The historic meeting between Moon and North Korean leaders Kim Jong-Un on Friday culminated in a mutual promise to promote peace on the Korean peninsula and take immediate measures to initiate denuclearisation.&nbsp;

Trump took to Twitter saying that he had a "very good talk" with President Moon. He also noted that the time and the location for his upcoming meeting with Kim Jon-Un have also been decided.&nbsp;

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Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations.
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"Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea are being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations," read Trump's tweet.

US President Donald Trump had a busy week meeting French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

In a press conference with Merkel on Friday, Trump noted having a "very good working relationship" with Kim Jong-Un and that he thinks that "some very good things can happen" with North Korea.&nbsp;

Trump is expected to meet the North Korean leader in May-June.&nbsp;

Trump is expected to meet the North Korean leader in May-June

US President Donald Trump on Saturday informed about his conversation with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the recent development on the Korean Peninsula. The historic meeting between Moon and North Korean leaders Kim Jong-Un on Friday culminated in a mutual promise to promote peace on the Korean peninsula and take immediate measures to initiate denuclearisation. Trump took to Twitter saying that he had a "very good talk" with President Moon. He also noted that the time and the location for his upcoming meeting with Kim Jon-Un have also been decided. Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 × "Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea are being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations," read Trump's tweet. US President Donald Trump had a busy week meeting French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In a press conference with Merkel on Friday, Trump noted having a "very good working relationship" with Kim Jong-Un and that he thinks that "some very good things can happen" with North Korea. Trump is expected to meet the North Korean leader in May-June.

Trump has 'very good talk' with Moon, Abe over Korean Peninsula

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un plans to invite experts and journalists from the United States and South Korea when the country closes its nuclear test site in May, Seoul officials said on Sunday, as US&nbsp;President Trump pressed for total denuclearisation ahead of his own unprecedented meeting with Kim.

On Friday, Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula in the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade, but the declaration did not include concrete steps to reach that goal.

North Korea's state media had said before the summit that Pyongyang would immediately suspend nuclear and missile tests, scrap its nuclear test site and instead pursue economic growth and peace.

Kim told Moon that he would soon invite the experts and journalists to "open to the international community" the dismantling of the facilities, the Blue House said.

"The United States, though inherently hostile to North Korea, will get to know once our talk begins that I am not the kind of person who will use nuclear weapons against the South or the United States across the Pacific," Moon's press secretary Yoon Young-chan quoted Kim as saying.

"There is no reason for us to possess nuclear weapons while suffering difficulties if mutual trust with the United States is built through frequent meetings from now on, and an end to the war and non-aggression are promised."

Kim said there were two additional, larger tunnels that remain "in a very good condition" at the Punggye-ri test site beyond the existing one, which experts have said had collapsed after repeated explosions, rendering much of the site useless.

Kim's promise shows his willingness to "preemptively and actively" respond to inspection efforts to be made as part of the denuclearisation process, Yoon said.

To facilitate future cross-border cooperation, Kim pledged to scrap the unique time zone Pyongyang created in 2015. He said the North would move its clocks forward 30 minutes to be in sync with the South, nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Kim also reaffirmed that he would not use military force against the South and raised the need for an institutional mechanism to prevent unintended escalations, Yoon said.

NEXT STEPS

Late Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump told Moon in a phone call that he was pleased the leaders of the two Koreas reaffirmed the goal of complete denuclearisation during their summit, Seoul officials said on Sunday.

Moon and Trump agreed on the need for an early summit between Trump and Kim, and explored two to three potential locations, one of which Moon suggested, the Blue House said.

The candidates for the venue did not include North Korea, the United States or the demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas, a Blue House official told reporters, declining to elaborate.

A senior U.S. official has said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit.

"Trump said it was good news for not only the two Koreas but the whole world that they affirmed the goal of realizing a nuclear-free Korean peninsula through a complete denuclearisation," Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told a separate briefing.

"Moon told Trump that Kim said he and Trump would get along with each other, ... and Trump was looking forward to talks with Kim and there would be a very good result."

Trump, who called the 75-minute chat "a long and very good talk" on Twitter, said his summit with Kim would take place sometime in the next three to four weeks.

"It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," he said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan, on Saturday.

The White House said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation."

Trump had informed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he would urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens, the White House said.

Abe's office said on Sunday that Trump and Abe highlighted the significance of Pyongyang's taking concrete steps towards denuclearisation.

Moon also had a phone call with Abe on Sunday and said he had discussed the abduction issue with Kim during the summit "in substantial detail," the Blue House spokesman said.

Pyongyang admitted in 2002 to kidnapping 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies. Five of them returned to Japan, but Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

"Moon relayed Abe's wish for a normalisation of bilateral ties to Kim based on the clearing of historical legacy issues, and that Kim expressed his willingness to talk to Japan at any time," the official said.

Most of the specific commitments outlined in the official declaration signed by Kim and Moon focused on inter-Korean relations and did not clear up the question of whether Pyongyang is willing to give up its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

North Korea's state media on Saturday released the joint statement as part of a multi-page spread with more than 60 photos from the visit, lauding Friday's summit as a turning point for the peninsula.

It made rare mentions of the denuclearisation discussion but did not go into detail, instead highlighting the broad themes of peace, prosperity, and Korean unity.

'AMICABLE ATMOSPHERE'

"At the talks both sides had a candid and open-hearted exchange of views on the matters of mutual concern including the issues of improving the North-South relations, ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula and the denuclearisation of the peninsula," KCNA said.

It added that the night wrapped up with a dinner that had an "amicable atmosphere overflowing with feelings of blood relatives."

The declaration earned guarded but optimistic praise from world leaders, including Trump, who said on Friday that only time would tell, but that he did not think Kim was "playing."

"It's never gone this far. This enthusiasm for them wanting to make a deal ... We are going to hopefully make a deal."

Still, Trump said he would maintain pressure on North Korea and "not repeat the mistakes of past administrations."

In Sydney on Saturday, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together.

"I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull told a televised news conference, referring to "overwhelming" economic ties between China and North Korea.

"What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said.

Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.

Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations.

"Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media.

"The U.S. government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added.

An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal.

"The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

On Friday, Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula in the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade, but the declaration did not include concrete steps to reach that goal

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un plans to invite experts and journalists from the United States and South Korea when the country closes its nuclear test site in May, Seoul officials said on Sunday, as US President Trump pressed for total denuclearisation ahead of his own unprecedented meeting with Kim. On Friday, Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula in the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade, but the declaration did not include concrete steps to reach that goal. North Korea's state media had said before the summit that Pyongyang would immediately suspend nuclear and missile tests, scrap its nuclear test site and instead pursue economic growth and peace. Kim told Moon that he would soon invite the experts and journalists to "open to the international community" the dismantling of the facilities, the Blue House said. "The United States, though inherently hostile to North Korea, will get to know once our talk begins that I am not the kind of person who will use nuclear weapons against the South or the United States across the Pacific," Moon's press secretary Yoon Young-chan quoted Kim as saying. "There is no reason for us to possess nuclear weapons while suffering difficulties if mutual trust with the United States is built through frequent meetings from now on, and an end to the war and non-aggression are promised." Kim said there were two additional, larger tunnels that remain "in a very good condition" at the Punggye-ri test site beyond the existing one, which experts have said had collapsed after repeated explosions, rendering much of the site useless. Kim's promise shows his willingness to "preemptively and actively" respond to inspection efforts to be made as part of the denuclearisation process, Yoon said. To facilitate future cross-border cooperation, Kim pledged to scrap the unique time zone Pyongyang created in 2015. He said the North would move its clocks forward 30 minutes to be in sync with the South, nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Kim also reaffirmed that he would not use military force against the South and raised the need for an institutional mechanism to prevent unintended escalations, Yoon said. NEXT STEPS Late Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump told Moon in a phone call that he was pleased the leaders of the two Koreas reaffirmed the goal of complete denuclearisation during their summit, Seoul officials said on Sunday. Moon and Trump agreed on the need for an early summit between Trump and Kim, and explored two to three potential locations, one of which Moon suggested, the Blue House said. The candidates for the venue did not include North Korea, the United States or the demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas, a Blue House official told reporters, declining to elaborate. A senior U.S. official has said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit. "Trump said it was good news for not only the two Koreas but the whole world that they affirmed the goal of realizing a nuclear-free Korean peninsula through a complete denuclearisation," Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told a separate briefing. "Moon told Trump that Kim said he and Trump would get along with each other, ... and Trump was looking forward to talks with Kim and there would be a very good result." Trump, who called the 75-minute chat "a long and very good talk" on Twitter, said his summit with Kim would take place sometime in the next three to four weeks. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," he said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan, on Saturday. The White House said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation." Trump had informed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he would urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens, the White House said. Abe's office said on Sunday that Trump and Abe highlighted the significance of Pyongyang's taking concrete steps towards denuclearisation. Moon also had a phone call with Abe on Sunday and said he had discussed the abduction issue with Kim during the summit "in substantial detail," the Blue House spokesman said. Pyongyang admitted in 2002 to kidnapping 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies. Five of them returned to Japan, but Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken. "Moon relayed Abe's wish for a normalisation of bilateral ties to Kim based on the clearing of historical legacy issues, and that Kim expressed his willingness to talk to Japan at any time," the official said. Most of the specific commitments outlined in the official declaration signed by Kim and Moon focused on inter-Korean relations and did not clear up the question of whether Pyongyang is willing to give up its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. North Korea's state media on Saturday released the joint statement as part of a multi-page spread with more than 60 photos from the visit, lauding Friday's summit as a turning point for the peninsula. It made rare mentions of the denuclearisation discussion but did not go into detail, instead highlighting the broad themes of peace, prosperity, and Korean unity. 'AMICABLE ATMOSPHERE' "At the talks both sides had a candid and open-hearted exchange of views on the matters of mutual concern including the issues of improving the North-South relations, ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula and the denuclearisation of the peninsula," KCNA said. It added that the night wrapped up with a dinner that had an "amicable atmosphere overflowing with feelings of blood relatives." The declaration earned guarded but optimistic praise from world leaders, including Trump, who said on Friday that only time would tell, but that he did not think Kim was "playing." "It's never gone this far. This enthusiasm for them wanting to make a deal ... We are going to hopefully make a deal." Still, Trump said he would maintain pressure on North Korea and "not repeat the mistakes of past administrations." In Sydney on Saturday, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together. "I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull told a televised news conference, referring to "overwhelming" economic ties between China and North Korea. "What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said. Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said. Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations. "Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media. "The U.S. government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added. An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal. "The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Kim to invite US experts for nuclear site shutdown as Trump presses for full denuclearisation

At their first summit in more than a decade on Friday, the leaders of North and South Korea held hands, planted a tree, and signed a pledge to pursue peace on the peninsula.

The heavy symbolism of the night was the culmination of more than three months of efforts by both Koreas to change the political tone after last year's missile tests and military threats.

What that change of tone means for the prospect of long-term peace on the peninsula is still an open question. Analysts say South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will have to nurture the reduced tensions into concrete moves.

Sceptics view Kim's overtures as a duplicitous attempt to buy time, while others argue any real peace deal requires talking to the North Koreans.

Many of the thorniest issues, however, can't be solved by the two Koreas alone, leaving their leaders to focus on inter-Korean relations while trying to set the stage for Kim's expected summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump.

"This summit was just spadework, preparation for the North Korea-US&nbspsummit to happen in the near future," said Kim Seung-hwan, a senior associate at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "That is the main game."

The coming weeks will be a busy time for South Korean officials.

Moon may meet with Trump before the US&nbsppresident's summit with Kim, and the South Korean president is also expected to meet with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts at a trilateral summit in early May.

South Korean officials will continue to closely coordinate with the Americans, and Moon will provide details of his meeting with Kim, said Moon Chung-in, a special adviser to Moon for foreign affairs and national security.

"Moon will be collecting information for Trump when he visits Washington in mid-May," he said. "Our government has come up with a comprehensive roadmap and we've been sharing that roadmap with the US"

While some observers criticized Friday's joint declaration for being light on specifics, others said outside countries like the United States and China needed to be involved in decisions on denuclearisation or a peace deal.

"There were important optics and symbols that can be built upon and the two leaders did some necessary things," said Andray Abrahamian, a research fellow at Pacific Forum CSIS. "They left the nuclear issue vague, which was the right thing to do. Moon has teed it up let's see if Trump can carry it across the line."

Inter-Korean relations

Trump has taken credit for Kim's sudden willingness to talk, and Moon has also praised the American president's campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions for helping.

Much of the change in tone from confrontation to engagement has been driven by the two Korean leaders, however, starting with Kim's New Year's address, in which he said he was open to reducing tensions with South Korea and was willing to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics.

The Moon administration quickly responded, sparking a flurry of diplomatic visits and cross-border exchanges. It was South Korean officials who conveyed Kim's invitation to meet with Trump, and they helped arranged CIA Director Mike Pompeo's trip to Pyongyang.

Days before Friday's summit, Kim said North Korea would suspend nuclear and long-range missile tests and dismantle its only known nuclear test site.

"The shift to dialogue was made possible in the first instance by North Korea’s decision to engage with South Korea at the beginning of 2018, and from there, thanks in no small part to Moon Jae-in's deft diplomacy," Christopher Green, a senior adviser at International Crisis Group wrote in a report on Friday.

With the major inter-Korean engagements at the Olympics and the summit over, the two countries say they will deepen their engagement.

As part of efforts to reduce tensions, North and South Korea agreed to open a liaison office, stop propaganda broadcasts and allow divided families to meet.

Moon and Kim have also agreed to stay in close communication Moon plans to visit Pyongyang later this year.

Sceptics view Kim's overtures as a duplicitous attempt to buy time, while others argue any real peace deal requires talking to the North Koreans

At their first summit in more than a decade on Friday, the leaders of North and South Korea held hands, planted a tree, and signed a pledge to pursue peace on the peninsula. The heavy symbolism of the night was the culmination of more than three months of efforts by both Koreas to change the political tone after last year's missile tests and military threats. What that change of tone means for the prospect of long-term peace on the peninsula is still an open question. Analysts say South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will have to nurture the reduced tensions into concrete moves. Sceptics view Kim's overtures as a duplicitous attempt to buy time, while others argue any real peace deal requires talking to the North Koreans. Many of the thorniest issues, however, can't be solved by the two Koreas alone, leaving their leaders to focus on inter-Korean relations while trying to set the stage for Kim's expected summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump. "This summit was just spadework, preparation for the North Korea-US&nbspsummit to happen in the near future," said Kim Seung-hwan, a senior associate at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "That is the main game." The coming weeks will be a busy time for South Korean officials. Moon may meet with Trump before the US&nbsppresident's summit with Kim, and the South Korean president is also expected to meet with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts at a trilateral summit in early May. South Korean officials will continue to closely coordinate with the Americans, and Moon will provide details of his meeting with Kim, said Moon Chung-in, a special adviser to Moon for foreign affairs and national security. "Moon will be collecting information for Trump when he visits Washington in mid-May," he said. "Our government has come up with a comprehensive roadmap and we've been sharing that roadmap with the US" While some observers criticized Friday's joint declaration for being light on specifics, others said outside countries like the United States and China needed to be involved in decisions on denuclearisation or a peace deal. "There were important optics and symbols that can be built upon and the two leaders did some necessary things," said Andray Abrahamian, a research fellow at Pacific Forum CSIS. "They left the nuclear issue vague, which was the right thing to do. Moon has teed it up let's see if Trump can carry it across the line." Inter-Korean relations Trump has taken credit for Kim's sudden willingness to talk, and Moon has also praised the American president's campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions for helping. Much of the change in tone from confrontation to engagement has been driven by the two Korean leaders, however, starting with Kim's New Year's address, in which he said he was open to reducing tensions with South Korea and was willing to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics. The Moon administration quickly responded, sparking a flurry of diplomatic visits and cross-border exchanges. It was South Korean officials who conveyed Kim's invitation to meet with Trump, and they helped arranged CIA Director Mike Pompeo's trip to Pyongyang. Days before Friday's summit, Kim said North Korea would suspend nuclear and long-range missile tests and dismantle its only known nuclear test site. "The shift to dialogue was made possible in the first instance by North Korea’s decision to engage with South Korea at the beginning of 2018, and from there, thanks in no small part to Moon Jae-in's deft diplomacy," Christopher Green, a senior adviser at International Crisis Group wrote in a report on Friday. With the major inter-Korean engagements at the Olympics and the summit over, the two countries say they will deepen their engagement. As part of efforts to reduce tensions, North and South Korea agreed to open a liaison office, stop propaganda broadcasts and allow divided families to meet. Moon and Kim have also agreed to stay in close communication Moon plans to visit Pyongyang later this year.

After summit, South Korea plots 'roadmap' for Trump's meeting with Kim Jong-Un

As Kim Jong Un, 34, and President Moon <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/full-statement-panmunjom-declaration-for-peace-prosperity-and-unification-of-the-korean-peninsula-133235">Jae-in,&nbsp;65, ushered hope of peace</a> in the Korean peninsula, two women - Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju and sister Kim Yo Jong - &nbsp;stole the limelight and won hearts in South Korea.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">Also Read:&nbsp;Key </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">takaways</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> from Korean leaders' joint statement from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">historic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> summit</a>

Kim Yo Jong is no stranger to South Korea. She had travelled to South Korea earlier for the Winter Olympics attending the opening ceremony, she had made her presence felt then meeting President Moon&nbsp;and was largely responsible for today's peace moves at the DMZ.

Kim Yo was dressed modestly in grey two-piece skirt suit and low, black heels while going through duties of the signing ceremony as her brother Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon went about setting the tone for future peace moves.&nbsp;

Although the little-known sister of the Korean leader had seized the day during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as the world watched her every move, this time, however, she played second fiddle to her brother on a day when the Korean peninsula witnessed winds of change after several decades of war-like situation.

Kim's wife, however, Ri Sol Ju had travelled to South Korea earlier as a "cheerleader" for North Korea's 2005 Olympic team. This time she matched Kim's move carrying herself effortlessly dressed in pink skirt and jacket along with&nbsp;glitzy high heels.

"I was so glad to hear the summit went well," Ri told South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

It was a break from tradition since Kim's father Kim Jong II never appeared in public with his wife - ever!

Ri Sol Ju had accompanied Kim to China for a meeting with President Xi last month during a surprise visit to the Communist state, there too she had hit the headlines. Her soft, approachable style was embraced by the Chinese media and the people who were excited to meet her.

As the "first lady", Ri's stocks in Korea are at all-time high, even though she is yet to rival her husband and the other "first ladies" of the West, North Korean state media calls her "respected Ri Sol Ju" - an indication of her elevated status.

The mother of three children, Ri is set for the bigger stage as Trump and Kim meet next month, although it is still unclear if she will accompany her husband to meet the US president. &nbsp;

It was a break from tradition since Kim's father Kim Jong II never appeared in public with his wife - ever!

As Kim Jong Un, 34, and President Moon Jae-in, 65, ushered hope of peace in the Korean peninsula, two women - Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju and sister Kim Yo Jong - stole the limelight and won hearts in South Korea. Also Read: Key takaways from Korean leaders' joint statement from historic summit Kim Yo Jong is no stranger to South Korea. She had travelled to South Korea earlier for the Winter Olympics attending the opening ceremony, she had made her presence felt then meeting President Moon and was largely responsible for today's peace moves at the DMZ. Kim Yo was dressed modestly in grey two-piece skirt suit and low, black heels while going through duties of the signing ceremony as her brother Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon went about setting the tone for future peace moves. Although the little-known sister of the Korean leader had seized the day during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as the world watched her every move, this time, however, she played second fiddle to her brother on a day when the Korean peninsula witnessed winds of change after several decades of war-like situation. Kim's wife, however, Ri Sol Ju had travelled to South Korea earlier as a "cheerleader" for North Korea's 2005 Olympic team. This time she matched Kim's move carrying herself effortlessly dressed in pink skirt and jacket along with glitzy high heels. "I was so glad to hear the summit went well," Ri told South Korean President Moon Jae-In. It was a break from tradition since Kim's father Kim Jong II never appeared in public with his wife - ever! Ri Sol Ju had accompanied Kim to China for a meeting with President Xi last month during a surprise visit to the Communist state, there too she had hit the headlines. Her soft, approachable style was embraced by the Chinese media and the people who were excited to meet her. As the "first lady", Ri's stocks in Korea are at all-time high, even though she is yet to rival her husband and the other "first ladies" of the West, North Korean state media calls her "respected Ri Sol Ju" - an indication of her elevated status. The mother of three children, Ri is set for the bigger stage as Trump and Kim meet next month, although it is still unclear if she will accompany her husband to meet the US president.

Watch: Charm offensive at DMZ as Kim's wife, sister steal the limelight

The citizens of&nbspBeijing on Friday expressed hope for the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in taking place in the demilitarized zone between the two countries.

While some in Beijing admitted they had not heard about this summit, others said that if the talks lead to tangible agreements this would be good for the "safety and stability" of the region, news agency Reuters reported.

The summit, which is aimed at ending South Korea and North Korea's decades-long conflict, comes weeks before Kim is due to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump to discuss denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

The two countries expect to release a joint statement late on Friday - possibly called the Panmunjom Declaration - that could address denuclearisation and peace, and an improvement in relations, South Korean officials said.

While some in Beijing admitted they had not heard about this summit, others said that if the talks lead to tangible agreements this would be good for the "safety and stability" of the region

The citizens of&nbspBeijing on Friday expressed hope for the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in taking place in the demilitarized zone between the two countries. While some in Beijing admitted they had not heard about this summit, others said that if the talks lead to tangible agreements this would be good for the "safety and stability" of the region, news agency Reuters reported. The summit, which is aimed at ending South Korea and North Korea's decades-long conflict, comes weeks before Kim is due to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump to discuss denuclearising the Korean peninsula. The two countries expect to release a joint statement late on Friday - possibly called the Panmunjom Declaration - that could address denuclearisation and peace, and an improvement in relations, South Korean officials said.

People in Beijing express hopes for historic inter-korea summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint statement on Friday after meeting at the heavily fortified demilitarised zone between their countries.

Kim became the first North Korean leader since the 1950-53 Korean War to set foot in South Korea after shaking hands with his counterpart over a concrete curb marking the border at the truce village of Panmunjom.

Here are the major points of a joint statement they issued.

INTER-KOREAN EXCHANGES

<ul>
	<li>The two Koreas agree to fully implement all existing agreements and declarations adopted so far between the two sides.</li>
	<li>They agree to hold dialogue and negotiations in various fields including high level talks, take active measures to implement summit agreement.</li>
	<li>They agree to establish joint liaison office with resident representatives of both sides in the Kaesong industrial zone on their border.</li>
	<li>They agree to encourage more active cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts at all levels.</li>
	<li>They agree to actively stage various joint events on special dates in which participants from all levels, including central and local governments, parliaments, political parties and civil organisations.</li>
	<li>They agree to jointly participate in international sports events such as the 2018 Asian Games.</li>
	<li>They agree to endeavour to swiftly resolve the humanitarian issues that resulted from the nation's division.</li>
	<li>They agree to convene an Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting to discuss and solve issues including the reunion of families separated by the Korean War.</li>
	<li>They agree to hold reunion programme for separated family on Aug. 15.</li>
	<li>They agree to implement projects previously agreed in an Oct. 4, 2007, declaration to promote balanced economic growth and joint prosperity.</li>
	<li>They agree to adopt practical steps toward connecting and modernising railways and roads between them on the eastern side of the peninsula as well as between Seoul and Sinuiju, in northwest North Korea.</li>
</ul>

MILITARY

<ul>
	<li>The two Koreas agree to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain including land, sea and air.</li>
	<li>They agree to transform the Demiliatrised Zone into a peace zone as of May 1 by halting all hostile acts and eliminating their means, including loudspeaker broadcasts and the distribution of propaganda leaflets.</li>
	<li>They agree to devise a practical scheme to transform the current Northern Limit Line in the West Sea into a maritime peace zone to prevent accidental military clashes.</li>
	<li>They agree to hold frequent defence ministerial and working-level meetings in a bid to immediately discuss and solve military issues, with the first military talks to be held in May at the rank of general.</li>
</ul>

PEACE REGIME

<ul>
	<li>The two Koreas reaffirm and agree to strictly adhere to a Non-Aggression Agreement that precludes the use of force in any form against each other.</li>
	<li>They agree to carry out disarmament in a phased manner, as military tension is alleviated and substantial progress is made in military confidence-building.</li>
	<li>They agree to actively pursue trilateral meetings involving the United States, or quadrilateral meetings involving the United States and China with a view to declaring an end to the War and establishing a permanent and solid peace regime.</li>
	<li>They confirm the common goal of realising, through complete denuclearisation, a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.</li>
</ul>

Kim became the first North Korean leader since the 1950-53 Korean War to set foot in South Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint statement on Friday after meeting at the heavily fortified demilitarised zone between their countries. Kim became the first North Korean leader since the 1950-53 Korean War to set foot in South Korea after shaking hands with his counterpart over a concrete curb marking the border at the truce village of Panmunjom. Here are the major points of a joint statement they issued. INTER-KOREAN EXCHANGES The two Koreas agree to fully implement all existing agreements and declarations adopted so far between the two sides. They agree to hold dialogue and negotiations in various fields including high level talks, take active measures to implement summit agreement. They agree to establish joint liaison office with resident representatives of both sides in the Kaesong industrial zone on their border. They agree to encourage more active cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts at all levels. They agree to actively stage various joint events on special dates in which participants from all levels, including central and local governments, parliaments, political parties and civil organisations. They agree to jointly participate in international sports events such as the 2018 Asian Games. They agree to endeavour to swiftly resolve the humanitarian issues that resulted from the nation's division. They agree to convene an Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting to discuss and solve issues including the reunion of families separated by the Korean War. They agree to hold reunion programme for separated family on Aug. 15. They agree to implement projects previously agreed in an Oct. 4, 2007, declaration to promote balanced economic growth and joint prosperity. They agree to adopt practical steps toward connecting and modernising railways and roads between them on the eastern side of the peninsula as well as between Seoul and Sinuiju, in northwest North Korea. MILITARY The two Koreas agree to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain including land, sea and air. They agree to transform the Demiliatrised Zone into a peace zone as of May 1 by halting all hostile acts and eliminating their means, including loudspeaker broadcasts and the distribution of propaganda leaflets. They agree to devise a practical scheme to transform the current Northern Limit Line in the West Sea into a maritime peace zone to prevent accidental military clashes. They agree to hold frequent defence ministerial and working-level meetings in a bid to immediately discuss and solve military issues, with the first military talks to be held in May at the rank of general. PEACE REGIME The two Koreas reaffirm and agree to strictly adhere to a Non-Aggression Agreement that precludes the use of force in any form against each other. They agree to carry out disarmament in a phased manner, as military tension is alleviated and substantial progress is made in military confidence-building. They agree to actively pursue trilateral meetings involving the United States, or quadrilateral meetings involving the United States and China with a view to declaring an end to the War and establishing a permanent and solid peace regime. They confirm the common goal of realising, through complete denuclearisation, a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

Key takeaways from Korean leaders' joint statement from historic summit

The United States is hopeful talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will make progress on achieving peace and prosperity, the White House said in a statement on Thursday as the two men began their summit.

The White House also said it looks forward to continuing discussions with South Korea in preparation for the planned meeting of President Donald Trump and Kim in the coming weeks.

“On the occasion of Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, we wish the Korean people well. We are hopeful that talks will achieve progress toward a future of peace and prosperity for the entire Korean Peninsula. The United States appreciates the close coordination with our ally, the Republic of Korea, and looks forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks," the statement said.&nbsp;

The White House also said it looks forward to continuing discussions with South Korea in preparation for the planned meeting of President Donald Trump and Kim in the coming weeks.

The United States is hopeful talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will make progress on achieving peace and prosperity, the White House said in a statement on Thursday as the two men began their summit. The White House also said it looks forward to continuing discussions with South Korea in preparation for the planned meeting of President Donald Trump and Kim in the coming weeks. “On the occasion of Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, we wish the Korean people well. We are hopeful that talks will achieve progress toward a future of peace and prosperity for the entire Korean Peninsula. The United States appreciates the close coordination with our ally, the Republic of Korea, and looks forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks," the statement said.

White House issues statement, says US hopeful Korea talks will achieve progress

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday praised the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, acknowledging the historic summit even as he raised questions about how long the positive diplomacy would last.

Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement.

In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks.

"KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989820401596366849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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"Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989816772713906177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989834048796266498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The US&nbsp;president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand.

&nbsp;

The US president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand

US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, acknowledging the historic summit even as he raised questions about how long the positive diplomacy would last. Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement. In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks. "KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter. KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × "Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added. After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × The US president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand.

Trump praises historic North, South Korea meeting

Below is the full joint statement by North and South Korea released by the South Korean presidential office on Friday after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in pledged to work for the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula". It punctuated a day of smiles and handshakes at the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade.

During this momentous period of historical transformation on the Korean Peninsula, reflecting the enduring aspiration of the Korean people for peace, prosperity and unification, President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea held an Inter-Korean Summit Meeting at the ‘Peace House’ at Panmunjom on April 27, 2018.

The two leaders solemnly declared before the 80 million Korean people and the whole world that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and thus a new era of peace has begun.

The two leaders, sharing the firm commitment to bring a swift a swift end to the Cold War relic of longstanding division and confrontation, to boldly approach a new era of national reconciliation, peace and prosperity, and to improve and cultivate inter-Korean relations in a more active manner, declared at this historic site of Panmunjom as follows:

1. South and North Korea will reconnect the blood relations of the people and bring forward the future of co-prosperity and unification led by Koreans by facilitating comprehensive and groundbreaking advancement in inter-Korean relations. Improving and cultivating inter-Korean relations is the prevalent desire of the whole nation and the urgent calling of the times that cannot be held back any further.

1) South and North Korea affirmed the principle of determining the destiny of the Korean nation on their own accord and agreed to bring forth the watershed moment for the improvement of inter-Korean relations by fully implementing all existing agreements and declarations adopted between the two sides thus far.

2) South and North Korea agreed to hold dialogue and negotiations in various fields including at high level, and to take active measures for the implementation of the agreements reached at the Summit.

3) South and North Korea agreed to establish a joint liaison office with resident representatives of both sides in the Gaeseong region in order to facilitate close consultation between the authorities as well as smooth exchanges and cooperation between the peoples.

4) South and North Korea agreed to encourage more active cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts at all levels in order to rejuvenate the sense of national reconciliation and unity. Between South and North, the two sides will encourage the atmosphere of amity and cooperation by actively staging various joint events on the dates that hold special meaning for both South and North Korea, such as June 15, in which participants from all levels, including central and local governments, parliaments, political parties, and civil organizations, will be involved. On the international front, the two sides agreed to demonstrate their collective wisdom, talents, and solidarity by jointly participating in international sports events such as the 2018 Asian Games.

5) South and North Korea agreed to endeavor to swiftly resolve the humanitarian issues that resulted from the division of the nation, and to convene the Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting to discuss and solve various issues including the reunion of separated families. In this vein, South and North Korea agreed to proceed with reunion programs for the separated families on the occasion of the National Liberation Day of August 15 this year.

6) South and North Korea agreed to actively implement the projects previously agreed in the 2007 October 4 Declaration, in order to promote balanced economic growth and co-prosperity of the nation. As a first step, the two sides agreed to adopt practical steps towards the connection and modernization of the railways and roads on the eastern transportation corridor as well as between Seoul and Sinuiju for their utilization.

2. South and North Korea will make joint efforts to alleviate the acute military tension and practically eliminate the danger of war on the Korean Peninsula.

1) South and North Korea agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain, including land, air and sea, that are the source of military tension and conflict. In this vein, the two sides agreed to transform the demilitarized zone into a peace zone in a genuine sense by ceasing as of May 2 this year all hostile acts and eliminating their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets, in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line.

2) South and North Korea agreed to devise a practical scheme to turn the areas around the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea into a maritime peace zone in order to prevent accidental military clashes and guarantee safe fishing activities.

3) South and North Korea agreed to take various military measures to ensure active mutual cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts. The two sides agreed to hold frequent meetings between military authorities, including the defense Ministers Meeting, in order to immediately discuss and solve military issues that arise between them. In this regard, the two sides agreed to first convene military talks at the rank of general in May.

3. South and North Korea will actively cooperate to establish a permanent and solid peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Bringing an end to the current unnatural state of armistice and establishing a robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula is a historical mission that must not be delayed any further.

1) South and North Korea reaffirmed the Non-Aggression Agreement that precludes the use of force in any form against each other, and agreed to strictly adhere to this Agreement.

2) South and North Korea agreed to carry out disarmament in a phased manner, as military tension is alleviated and substantial progress is made in military confidence-building.

3) During this year that marks the 65th anniversary of the Armistice, South and North Korea agreed to actively pursue trilateral meetings involving the two Koreas and the United States, or quadrilateral meetings involving the two Koreas, the United States and China with a view to declaring an end to the war and establishing a permanent and solid peace regime.

4) South and North Korea confirmed the common goal of realizing, through complete denuclearisation, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. South and North Korea shared the view that the measures being initiated by North Korea are very meaningful and crucial for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and agreed to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities in this regard. South and North Korea agreed to actively seek the support and cooperation of the international community for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders agreed, through regular meetings and direct telephone conversations, to hold frequent and candid discussions on issues vital to the nation, to strengthen mutual trust and to jointly endeavor to strengthen the positive momentum towards continuous advancement of inter-Korean relations as well as peace, prosperity and unification of the Korean Peninsula.

In this context, President Moon Jae-in agreed to visit Pyongyang this fall.

April 27, 2018

Done in Panmunjom

Moon Jae-in

President

Republic of Korea

Kim Jong Un

Chairman

State Affairs Commission

Democratic People's

Republic of Korea

The two leaders solemnly declared before the 80 million Korean people and the whole world that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and thus a new era of peace has begun.

Below is the full joint statement by North and South Korea released by the South Korean presidential office on Friday after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in pledged to work for the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula". It punctuated a day of smiles and handshakes at the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade. During this momentous period of historical transformation on the Korean Peninsula, reflecting the enduring aspiration of the Korean people for peace, prosperity and unification, President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea held an Inter-Korean Summit Meeting at the ‘Peace House’ at Panmunjom on April 27, 2018. The two leaders solemnly declared before the 80 million Korean people and the whole world that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and thus a new era of peace has begun. The two leaders, sharing the firm commitment to bring a swift a swift end to the Cold War relic of longstanding division and confrontation, to boldly approach a new era of national reconciliation, peace and prosperity, and to improve and cultivate inter-Korean relations in a more active manner, declared at this historic site of Panmunjom as follows: 1. South and North Korea will reconnect the blood relations of the people and bring forward the future of co-prosperity and unification led by Koreans by facilitating comprehensive and groundbreaking advancement in inter-Korean relations. Improving and cultivating inter-Korean relations is the prevalent desire of the whole nation and the urgent calling of the times that cannot be held back any further. 1) South and North Korea affirmed the principle of determining the destiny of the Korean nation on their own accord and agreed to bring forth the watershed moment for the improvement of inter-Korean relations by fully implementing all existing agreements and declarations adopted between the two sides thus far. 2) South and North Korea agreed to hold dialogue and negotiations in various fields including at high level, and to take active measures for the implementation of the agreements reached at the Summit. 3) South and North Korea agreed to establish a joint liaison office with resident representatives of both sides in the Gaeseong region in order to facilitate close consultation between the authorities as well as smooth exchanges and cooperation between the peoples. 4) South and North Korea agreed to encourage more active cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts at all levels in order to rejuvenate the sense of national reconciliation and unity. Between South and North, the two sides will encourage the atmosphere of amity and cooperation by actively staging various joint events on the dates that hold special meaning for both South and North Korea, such as June 15, in which participants from all levels, including central and local governments, parliaments, political parties, and civil organizations, will be involved. On the international front, the two sides agreed to demonstrate their collective wisdom, talents, and solidarity by jointly participating in international sports events such as the 2018 Asian Games. 5) South and North Korea agreed to endeavor to swiftly resolve the humanitarian issues that resulted from the division of the nation, and to convene the Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting to discuss and solve various issues including the reunion of separated families. In this vein, South and North Korea agreed to proceed with reunion programs for the separated families on the occasion of the National Liberation Day of August 15 this year. 6) South and North Korea agreed to actively implement the projects previously agreed in the 2007 October 4 Declaration, in order to promote balanced economic growth and co-prosperity of the nation. As a first step, the two sides agreed to adopt practical steps towards the connection and modernization of the railways and roads on the eastern transportation corridor as well as between Seoul and Sinuiju for their utilization. 2. South and North Korea will make joint efforts to alleviate the acute military tension and practically eliminate the danger of war on the Korean Peninsula. 1) South and North Korea agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain, including land, air and sea, that are the source of military tension and conflict. In this vein, the two sides agreed to transform the demilitarized zone into a peace zone in a genuine sense by ceasing as of May 2 this year all hostile acts and eliminating their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets, in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line. 2) South and North Korea agreed to devise a practical scheme to turn the areas around the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea into a maritime peace zone in order to prevent accidental military clashes and guarantee safe fishing activities. 3) South and North Korea agreed to take various military measures to ensure active mutual cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts. The two sides agreed to hold frequent meetings between military authorities, including the defense Ministers Meeting, in order to immediately discuss and solve military issues that arise between them. In this regard, the two sides agreed to first convene military talks at the rank of general in May. 3. South and North Korea will actively cooperate to establish a permanent and solid peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Bringing an end to the current unnatural state of armistice and establishing a robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula is a historical mission that must not be delayed any further. 1) South and North Korea reaffirmed the Non-Aggression Agreement that precludes the use of force in any form against each other, and agreed to strictly adhere to this Agreement. 2) South and North Korea agreed to carry out disarmament in a phased manner, as military tension is alleviated and substantial progress is made in military confidence-building. 3) During this year that marks the 65th anniversary of the Armistice, South and North Korea agreed to actively pursue trilateral meetings involving the two Koreas and the United States, or quadrilateral meetings involving the two Koreas, the United States and China with a view to declaring an end to the war and establishing a permanent and solid peace regime. 4) South and North Korea confirmed the common goal of realizing, through complete denuclearisation, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. South and North Korea shared the view that the measures being initiated by North Korea are very meaningful and crucial for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and agreed to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities in this regard. South and North Korea agreed to actively seek the support and cooperation of the international community for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders agreed, through regular meetings and direct telephone conversations, to hold frequent and candid discussions on issues vital to the nation, to strengthen mutual trust and to jointly endeavor to strengthen the positive momentum towards continuous advancement of inter-Korean relations as well as peace, prosperity and unification of the Korean Peninsula. In this context, President Moon Jae-in agreed to visit Pyongyang this fall. April 27, 2018 Done in Panmunjom Moon Jae-in President Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un Chairman State Affairs Commission Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Full statement: Panmunjom declaration for peace, prosperity and unification of the Korean peninsula

India is expected to host South Korean President Moon Jae-in this year to add more strategic heft to its growing bilateral economic partnership. The two countries will look to build on convergences between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Act East Policy" and President moon's new "Southern Policy", which seek better ties with countries in the Indo-pacific region.

Bilateral consular relations were established between the two countries in 1962 which were upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973. In course of time, Seoul's open market policies found resonance with India's economic liberalisation and "Look East" as well as "Act East" policies. Consistent Indian support for peaceful reunification of the two Koreas has been well received in the South.

A good indication of growing ties between South Korea and India is the fact that Hyundai, Samsung and LG are household names in India. South Korea's traditional food kimchi, made from fermented vegetables such as cabbage, and K-pop star Psy of Gangnam style fame are popular, too.

But the dramatic upturn in ties did not happen overnight.

India-South Korea ties took off at the turn of the new millennium, with president APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to Seoul in the year 2006. It led to the launch of a joint task force to conclude an agreement called bilateral comprehensive economic partnership or CEPA. It was operationalised on January 1, 2010.

Trade and economic relations started to gather momentum following the implementation of CEPA in 2010 and the bilateral trade in 2011 crossed US $20.5 billion,&nbsp registering a 70 per cent growth over a two-year period. 
&nbsp 
The same year, South Korea's then President Lee Myung-bak visited New Delhi as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations. He raised the ties to the strategic level.

One year later, in July 2011, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil paid a reciprocal visit to South Korea and a civil nuclear energy cooperation was signed during her visit. 
&nbsp 
In the following year, 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan singh travelled to Seoul for bilateral talks and to attend the nuclear security summit. Both sides signed a visa simplification agreement.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye travelled to New Delhi in January 2014. The joint statement for expansion of strategic partnership issued during the visit unveiled a blue print for further expanding the political, security, defence and economic relations.

India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was in Seoul in December 2014, and the defence minister in April, 2015.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited South Korea in May, 2015. During the visit, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to special strategic partnership.

The relationship witnessed new momentum following the inauguration of President Moon Jae-in's administration. PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate President Moon on his election victory. PM Modi's congratulatory tweet in Korean language was well appreciated by President Moon, Korean media and common people.

President Moon reciprocated by sending Chung Dongchea, former culture minister, as his special envoy to India, first such instance in the bilateral relationship, and through subsequent announcement to upgrade the relationship with India equivalent to four traditional partners under the "New Asia Community Plus" framework.

India-South Korea ties took off at the turn of the new millennium, with president APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to Seoul in the year 2006.

India is expected to host South Korean President Moon Jae-in this year to add more strategic heft to its growing bilateral economic partnership. The two countries will look to build on convergences between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Act East Policy" and President moon's new "Southern Policy", which seek better ties with countries in the Indo-pacific region. Bilateral consular relations were established between the two countries in 1962 which were upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973. In course of time, Seoul's open market policies found resonance with India's economic liberalisation and "Look East" as well as "Act East" policies. Consistent Indian support for peaceful reunification of the two Koreas has been well received in the South. A good indication of growing ties between South Korea and India is the fact that Hyundai, Samsung and LG are household names in India. South Korea's traditional food kimchi, made from fermented vegetables such as cabbage, and K-pop star Psy of Gangnam style fame are popular, too. But the dramatic upturn in ties did not happen overnight. India-South Korea ties took off at the turn of the new millennium, with president APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to Seoul in the year 2006. It led to the launch of a joint task force to conclude an agreement called bilateral comprehensive economic partnership or CEPA. It was operationalised on January 1, 2010. Trade and economic relations started to gather momentum following the implementation of CEPA in 2010 and the bilateral trade in 2011 crossed US $20.5 billion, registering a 70 per cent growth over a two-year period. The same year, South Korea's then President Lee Myung-bak visited New Delhi as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations. He raised the ties to the strategic level. One year later, in July 2011, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil paid a reciprocal visit to South Korea and a civil nuclear energy cooperation was signed during her visit. In the following year, 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan singh travelled to Seoul for bilateral talks and to attend the nuclear security summit. Both sides signed a visa simplification agreement. Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye travelled to New Delhi in January 2014. The joint statement for expansion of strategic partnership issued during the visit unveiled a blue print for further expanding the political, security, defence and economic relations. India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was in Seoul in December 2014, and the defence minister in April, 2015. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited South Korea in May, 2015. During the visit, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to special strategic partnership. The relationship witnessed new momentum following the inauguration of President Moon Jae-in's administration. PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate President Moon on his election victory. PM Modi's congratulatory tweet in Korean language was well appreciated by President Moon, Korean media and common people. President Moon reciprocated by sending Chung Dongchea, former culture minister, as his special envoy to India, first such instance in the bilateral relationship, and through subsequent announcement to upgrade the relationship with India equivalent to four traditional partners under the "New Asia Community Plus" framework.

India-South Korea relations: How friendship grew over the years

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be served a lavish feast at the Korean summit on Friday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the South's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday.

Kim Jong-un will cross the demilitarised zone between North Korea and South Korea on Friday for the highest level meeting held to date with South’s President Moon Jae-in.

The two states are set to discuss the North’s nuclear arsenal which its leader has vowed to dismantle.

The leader will be served Swiss rösti with a Korean style in a specially curated banquet menu, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a briefing Tuesday.

North Korea has never confirmed Kim Jong Un was educated in Switzerland, but former classmates and teachers have said they spent time with him there. Swiss newspapers have also reported Kim went to school under a pseudonym in Switzerland.

Kim and Moon can wash down their meal with a fragrant wine made from azaleas.

Also on their table will be a distilled liquor called munbaeju that is 40 per cent alcohol by volume and which originated in the North, but is now traditionally made in the South.

Here's what in store:&nbsp;

Cold salad with octopus 

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The octopus is from Tongyeong at the southern tip of the peninsula which will be served in a bed of lettuce including other vegetables.&nbsp;

Rosti 

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The fried potato dish was chosen as an homage to Kim's childhood spent in Switzerland, the Blue House said in announcing the menu for Friday's welcome dinner.

Baked John Dory

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Baked John Dory, a dish made from the flat sea fish, will be served as a nod to Moon's younger days in the South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;port city of Busan.

Dumplings with crocker fish and sea cucumber

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The dish&nbsp;originated from&nbsp;Gageo Island, Shinan county and includes dumplings stuffed with crocker fish and cucumber served in a bed of broth.&nbsp;

Charcoal-grilled beef

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The Hanwoo beef is President Moon's favorite. It&nbsp;comes from Seosan county, South Chungcheong province.

Rice organically produced using ducks

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This process of using trained ducks for weeding and pest control on rice farms originated in Bonghwa county, South Gyeongsang Province.

Grilled dalgogi fish

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Mango mousse chocolate dome

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Another item on the menu will be Pyongyang-style cold noodles, or naengmyeon, served in a chilled meat broth.

"President Moon had requested Pyongyang-style cold noodles from Okryu Gwan be included on the menu and North Korea gladly accepted," said Kim Eui-kyeom, the Blue House spokesman.

Okryu Gwan is North Korea's best-known restaurant famous for the dish, and has branches in China as well.

The cold noodles will be made by the head chef at Okryu Gwan, who will travel to the truce border village of Panmunjom where the two leaders will meet on Friday, the Blue House spokesman said.

The leader will be served Swiss rösti with a Korean style in a specially curated banquet menu, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a briefing Tuesday

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be served a lavish feast at the Korean summit on Friday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the South's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday. Kim Jong-un will cross the demilitarised zone between North Korea and South Korea on Friday for the highest level meeting held to date with South’s President Moon Jae-in. The two states are set to discuss the North’s nuclear arsenal which its leader has vowed to dismantle. The leader will be served Swiss rösti with a Korean style in a specially curated banquet menu, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a briefing Tuesday. North Korea has never confirmed Kim Jong Un was educated in Switzerland, but former classmates and teachers have said they spent time with him there. Swiss newspapers have also reported Kim went to school under a pseudonym in Switzerland. Kim and Moon can wash down their meal with a fragrant wine made from azaleas. Also on their table will be a distilled liquor called munbaeju that is 40 per cent alcohol by volume and which originated in the North, but is now traditionally made in the South. Here's what in store: Cold salad with octopus The octopus is from Tongyeong at the southern tip of the peninsula which will be served in a bed of lettuce including other vegetables. Rosti The fried potato dish was chosen as an homage to Kim's childhood spent in Switzerland, the Blue House said in announcing the menu for Friday's welcome dinner. Baked John Dory Baked John Dory, a dish made from the flat sea fish, will be served as a nod to Moon's younger days in the South Korean port city of Busan. Dumplings with crocker fish and sea cucumber The dish originated from Gageo Island, Shinan county and includes dumplings stuffed with crocker fish and cucumber served in a bed of broth. Charcoal-grilled beef The Hanwoo beef is President Moon's favorite. It comes from Seosan county, South Chungcheong province. Rice organically produced using ducks This process of using trained ducks for weeding and pest control on rice farms originated in Bonghwa county, South Gyeongsang Province. Grilled dalgogi fish Mango mousse chocolate dome Another item on the menu will be Pyongyang-style cold noodles, or naengmyeon, served in a chilled meat broth. "President Moon had requested Pyongyang-style cold noodles from Okryu Gwan be included on the menu and North Korea gladly accepted," said Kim Eui-kyeom, the Blue House spokesman. Okryu Gwan is North Korea's best-known restaurant famous for the dish, and has branches in China as well. The cold noodles will be made by the head chef at Okryu Gwan, who will travel to the truce border village of Panmunjom where the two leaders will meet on Friday, the Blue House spokesman said.

Here's what Kim and Moon will feast on at the Korean Summit this week

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Chinese embassy in Pyongyang to express his sorrow to the bus crash incident occurred on Sunday, state media reported on Tuesday.

North's central news agency KCNA quoted Kim saying that "the unexpected accident brought bitter sorrow to his heart and that he couldn't control his grief at the thought of the bereaved families who lost their blood relatives".

On Sunday a bus plunged from a bridge in North Hwanghae province in North Korea leaving thirty-two Chinese tourists and four North Koreans dead.

Kim Jong-un also met Chinese ambassador Li Jinjun and later he visited crash survivors in hospital.

China is North Korea's most important economic, diplomatic and sole ally but the relations between both countries has been sored through time due to Pyongyang's numerous missile and nuclear tests.

Kim visiting crash survivors in hospital and expressing his sorrow is being observed by experts as an indication of how much seriousness North Korea is taking the accident.

News reports also cited Kim saying that his government would take follow-up measures to the accident with "utmost sincerity".

Kim Jong-un also visited Beijing to personally meet Chinese President Xi-Jinping in March. The March visit was a first known visit by Kim Jong-un outside North Korea borders since 2011.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un also made an announcement for closing down its nuclear test site ahead of the Korea-summit with South Korea President Moon Jae-In and will be followed by a planned face-to-face with US President Donald Trump.

&nbsp;

Four North Koreans were also killed in the crash

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Chinese embassy in Pyongyang to express his sorrow to the bus crash incident occurred on Sunday, state media reported on Tuesday. North's central news agency KCNA quoted Kim saying that "the unexpected accident brought bitter sorrow to his heart and that he couldn't control his grief at the thought of the bereaved families who lost their blood relatives". On Sunday a bus plunged from a bridge in North Hwanghae province in North Korea leaving thirty-two Chinese tourists and four North Koreans dead. Kim Jong-un also met Chinese ambassador Li Jinjun and later he visited crash survivors in hospital. China is North Korea's most important economic, diplomatic and sole ally but the relations between both countries has been sored through time due to Pyongyang's numerous missile and nuclear tests. Kim visiting crash survivors in hospital and expressing his sorrow is being observed by experts as an indication of how much seriousness North Korea is taking the accident. News reports also cited Kim saying that his government would take follow-up measures to the accident with "utmost sincerity". Kim Jong-un also visited Beijing to personally meet Chinese President Xi-Jinping in March. The March visit was a first known visit by Kim Jong-un outside North Korea borders since 2011. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un also made an announcement for closing down its nuclear test site ahead of the Korea-summit with South Korea President Moon Jae-In and will be followed by a planned face-to-face with US President Donald Trump.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un expresses 'bitter sorrow' over bus crash that killed 32 Chinese

South Korea halted the propaganda broadcasts it blares across the border at North Korea on Monday ahead of their first summit in a decade, as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump cautioned the nuclear crisis on the peninsula was a long way from being resolved.

North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday.

Ahead of the summit, North Korea announced it would halt nuclear and missile tests and said it was scrapping its nuclear test site to instead pursue economic growth and peace.

“North Korea’s decision to freeze its nuclear program is a significant decision for the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a regular meeting at the Blue House on Monday.

“It is a green light that raises the chances of positive outcomes at the North’s summits with South Korea and the United States. If North Korea goes the path of complete denuclearization starting from this, then a bright future for North Korea can be guaranteed.”

The South’s propaganda broadcasts were stopped at midnight, the defense ministry said, without specifying whether they would resume after the Kim-Moon summit.

“We hope this decision will lead both Koreas to stop mutual criticism and propaganda against each other and also contribute in creating peace and a new beginning,” the South Korean defense ministry said about the decision to halt the broadcasts.

It is the first time in more than two years the South Korean broadcasts, which include a mixture of news, South Korean pop music and criticism of the North Korean regime, have been stopped.

North Korea has its own propaganda loudspeakers at the border, but a defense ministry official said he could not verify whether the North had stopped its broadcasts.

Caution

The inter-Korean talks and a planned meeting between Kim and Trump in the coming weeks have raised hopes of an easing in tensions that reached a crescendo last year amid a flurry of North Korean missile tests and its largest nuclear test.

After initially welcoming Pyongyang’s statement on halting nuclear and missile tests, Trump sounded a more cautious note on Sunday.

“We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell,” Trump said on Twitter.

Still, South Korean companies with exposure to North Korea rallied after Pyongyang’s weekend announcement.

Shares of Good People (033340.KQ) and Shinwon Corp (009270.KS), which used to operate factories in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial region near the Demilitarized Zone, surged 8 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

China, North Korea’s main ally, also welcomed the North Korean announcement, but editorials in state-run media on Monday were tempered with notes of caution.

The China Daily, the official English-languages newspaper of the Chinese government, said the pledges conveyed the message that Kim will sit down for talks as the leader of a legitimate nuclear power.

“Negotiations about actual nuclear disarmament will likely prove arduous given such weapons are critical to Pyongyang’s sense of security. It will require ironclad security guarantees if it is to relinquish them.”

The Global Times, a hawkish tabloid newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said all parties “should cherish this hard-won state of affairs” and continue to make efforts toward peace and denuclearization.

“Washington should not regard North Korea’s halt to nuclear and missile tests as a result of its maximum pressure,” the Global Times wrote.

“It must be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is that Pyongyang has mastered certain advanced nuclear technologies and successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 10,000 km.”

The United States, through the United Nations, has pursued a series of tightening sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its access to foreign currency.

Customs data on Monday showed China’s imports from North Korea fell 87 per cent in the first three months of the year, while exports dropped 46 per cent.

Tourism, dominated by Chinese visitors, remains a key export earner for North Korea. Chinese tourists have been involved in a major bus accident in North Korea and there are a large number of casualties, Chinese state media and the government said on Monday.

North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday

South Korea halted the propaganda broadcasts it blares across the border at North Korea on Monday ahead of their first summit in a decade, as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump cautioned the nuclear crisis on the peninsula was a long way from being resolved. North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday. Ahead of the summit, North Korea announced it would halt nuclear and missile tests and said it was scrapping its nuclear test site to instead pursue economic growth and peace. “North Korea’s decision to freeze its nuclear program is a significant decision for the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a regular meeting at the Blue House on Monday. “It is a green light that raises the chances of positive outcomes at the North’s summits with South Korea and the United States. If North Korea goes the path of complete denuclearization starting from this, then a bright future for North Korea can be guaranteed.” The South’s propaganda broadcasts were stopped at midnight, the defense ministry said, without specifying whether they would resume after the Kim-Moon summit. “We hope this decision will lead both Koreas to stop mutual criticism and propaganda against each other and also contribute in creating peace and a new beginning,” the South Korean defense ministry said about the decision to halt the broadcasts. It is the first time in more than two years the South Korean broadcasts, which include a mixture of news, South Korean pop music and criticism of the North Korean regime, have been stopped. North Korea has its own propaganda loudspeakers at the border, but a defense ministry official said he could not verify whether the North had stopped its broadcasts. Caution The inter-Korean talks and a planned meeting between Kim and Trump in the coming weeks have raised hopes of an easing in tensions that reached a crescendo last year amid a flurry of North Korean missile tests and its largest nuclear test. After initially welcoming Pyongyang’s statement on halting nuclear and missile tests, Trump sounded a more cautious note on Sunday. “We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell,” Trump said on Twitter. Still, South Korean companies with exposure to North Korea rallied after Pyongyang’s weekend announcement. Shares of Good People (033340.KQ) and Shinwon Corp (009270.KS), which used to operate factories in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial region near the Demilitarized Zone, surged 8 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. China, North Korea’s main ally, also welcomed the North Korean announcement, but editorials in state-run media on Monday were tempered with notes of caution. The China Daily, the official English-languages newspaper of the Chinese government, said the pledges conveyed the message that Kim will sit down for talks as the leader of a legitimate nuclear power. “Negotiations about actual nuclear disarmament will likely prove arduous given such weapons are critical to Pyongyang’s sense of security. It will require ironclad security guarantees if it is to relinquish them.” The Global Times, a hawkish tabloid newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said all parties “should cherish this hard-won state of affairs” and continue to make efforts toward peace and denuclearization. “Washington should not regard North Korea’s halt to nuclear and missile tests as a result of its maximum pressure,” the Global Times wrote. “It must be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is that Pyongyang has mastered certain advanced nuclear technologies and successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 10,000 km.” The United States, through the United Nations, has pursued a series of tightening sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its access to foreign currency. Customs data on Monday showed China’s imports from North Korea fell 87 per cent in the first three months of the year, while exports dropped 46 per cent. Tourism, dominated by Chinese visitors, remains a key export earner for North Korea. Chinese tourists have been involved in a major bus accident in North Korea and there are a large number of casualties, Chinese state media and the government said on Monday.

South Korea switches off propaganda broadcasts, Moon upbeat on North Korea nuclear halt

Diplomatic foes North and South Korea installed a direct phone line between their leaders on Friday as they prepare for the first summit since 2007 - and the connection was great, the South's presidential office said.

South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit, the office said.

"The call quality was very good and we felt like we got a call from our next-door neighbour," South Korea's director for the Government Situation Room, Youn Kun-young, told reporters.

Moon will now be able to pick up his office phone to talk to Kim, instead of communicating through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in the border village of Panmunjom.

The plan was unveiled by the South's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, after he met Kim last month in Pyongyang.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

Now North and South are meeting next week and Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump are expected to hold their first-ever summit in May or June, with denuclearisation the topic of the day.

The idea of opening a hotline was hatched in June 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and the North's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, held the first inter-Korean summit.

The system reportedly features a telephone, a fax and a screen with Internet connection for a video chat. &nbsp;

Lim Dong-won, a key architect of the late liberal president's Sunshine policy of re-engagement with the North, said in his 2007 memoir that the phones played a critical role in resolving sensitive issues.

The communication channel was also used by Roh Moo-hyun, the successor to Kim Dae-jung, until the conservative Lee Myung-bak took over in 2008, Seoul officials said.

There was no communication at Panmunjom as the standoff deepened over Pyongyang's weapons programmes until the hotline was used for the first time in nearly two years in January.

During the lull, South Korean officials would sometimes use a bull horn to shout messages across the border.

South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit

Diplomatic foes North and South Korea installed a direct phone line between their leaders on Friday as they prepare for the first summit since 2007 - and the connection was great, the South's presidential office said. South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit, the office said. "The call quality was very good and we felt like we got a call from our next-door neighbour," South Korea's director for the Government Situation Room, Youn Kun-young, told reporters. Moon will now be able to pick up his office phone to talk to Kim, instead of communicating through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in the border village of Panmunjom. The plan was unveiled by the South's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, after he met Kim last month in Pyongyang. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating. Now North and South are meeting next week and Kim and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold their first-ever summit in May or June, with denuclearisation the topic of the day. The idea of opening a hotline was hatched in June 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and the North's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, held the first inter-Korean summit. The system reportedly features a telephone, a fax and a screen with Internet connection for a video chat. Lim Dong-won, a key architect of the late liberal president's Sunshine policy of re-engagement with the North, said in his 2007 memoir that the phones played a critical role in resolving sensitive issues. The communication channel was also used by Roh Moo-hyun, the successor to Kim Dae-jung, until the conservative Lee Myung-bak took over in 2008, Seoul officials said. There was no communication at Panmunjom as the standoff deepened over Pyongyang's weapons programmes until the hotline was used for the first time in nearly two years in January. During the lull, South Korean officials would sometimes use a bull horn to shout messages across the border.

North and South Korea get neighbourly with direct hotline

Japan's foreign minister was in South Korea for a rare visit Wednesday, armed with a list of issues Tokyo wants to push onto the agenda of a looming summit between North and South Korea.

The first such visit in more than two years comes at a time of frenetic diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia, ahead of the North's planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp

North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in his first overseas trip last month.

Japan has largely remained on the sidelines, with suggestions last month of the third summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe quickly petering out.

Instead, Tokyo has found itself forced to rely on the US and South Korea to tackle its concerns regarding the North, which last year test-fired several missiles that flew over Japan, sparking security concerns.

Tokyo's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said "it is extremely important that Japan, the US, and South Korea share information and coordinate closely" ahead of the two summits.

Foreign minister Taro Kono will meet with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha on Wednesday morning.&nbsp

As well as Pyongyang's "nuclear and missile issues", Kono has said he will try to ensure that "the abduction issue will be talked about in the North-South summit".

He was referring to Japanese citizens abducted by the North's agents in the 1970s and 80s in a bid to train spies in Japanese language and customs before overseas missions.

The North regularly excoriates Japan over its brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula.

But ties between the South and Japan have also remained sour for years due to the controversy over historical issues left unresolved -- including Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II.

Seoul has urged Tokyo to take legal and moral responsibility, while Japan says that the issue was resolved when the two nations reached a controversial deal in 2015 to offer compensations to the victims.&nbsp

Suga said Japan's foreign minister would seek to boost a "forward-looking" bilateral relationship despite the row.

Kim is set to meet Moon on April 27 for a third-ever summit between the two neighbours, and is expected to talk with Trump in May or early June.

Japan -- a key Asian ally of the US and host of 50,000 American troops -- had long supported Trump's hardline position to press Pyongyang to abandon its widely-condemned nuclear and missile weapons programmes.

But Trump's sudden decision to open dialogue with Kim reportedly stoked concerns over whether Japan was being ignored in the regional push to engage the unpredictable North.

The first such visit in more than two years comes at a time of frenetic diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia, ahead of the North's planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump

Japan's foreign minister was in South Korea for a rare visit Wednesday, armed with a list of issues Tokyo wants to push onto the agenda of a looming summit between North and South Korea. The first such visit in more than two years comes at a time of frenetic diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia, ahead of the North's planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump. North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in his first overseas trip last month. Japan has largely remained on the sidelines, with suggestions last month of the third summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe quickly petering out. Instead, Tokyo has found itself forced to rely on the US and South Korea to tackle its concerns regarding the North, which last year test-fired several missiles that flew over Japan, sparking security concerns. Tokyo's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said "it is extremely important that Japan, the US, and South Korea share information and coordinate closely" ahead of the two summits. Foreign minister Taro Kono will meet with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha on Wednesday morning. As well as Pyongyang's "nuclear and missile issues", Kono has said he will try to ensure that "the abduction issue will be talked about in the North-South summit". He was referring to Japanese citizens abducted by the North's agents in the 1970s and 80s in a bid to train spies in Japanese language and customs before overseas missions. The North regularly excoriates Japan over its brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. But ties between the South and Japan have also remained sour for years due to the controversy over historical issues left unresolved -- including Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II. Seoul has urged Tokyo to take legal and moral responsibility, while Japan says that the issue was resolved when the two nations reached a controversial deal in 2015 to offer compensations to the victims. Suga said Japan's foreign minister would seek to boost a "forward-looking" bilateral relationship despite the row. Kim is set to meet Moon on April 27 for a third-ever summit between the two neighbours, and is expected to talk with Trump in May or early June. Japan -- a key Asian ally of the US and host of 50,000 American troops -- had long supported Trump's hardline position to press Pyongyang to abandon its widely-condemned nuclear and missile weapons programmes. But Trump's sudden decision to open dialogue with Kim reportedly stoked concerns over whether Japan was being ignored in the regional push to engage the unpredictable North.

Japan Finance Minister to voice North Korea concerns in rare Seoul visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un today attended the first concert in Pyongyang for over a decade by South Korean entertainers, including a K-pop girlband, the latest gesture of reconciliation before a rare inter-Korean summit.

The visit, described by many as a cultural charm-offensive by the South, came as a diplomatic thaw quickens on the peninsula after months of military tensions.

The 120-member group -- 11 musical acts as well as dancers, technicians and martial artists -- gave one concert today with another set for Tuesday.

Kim and his wife, a former singer herself, came to watch today's show, making him the first leader of the North to attend a concert by South Korean performers.

Kim shook hands and took photos with the Seoul stars backstage, saying inter-Korean cultural events should be held more often and suggesting another event in the South Korean capital this autumn, pool reports said.

The young couple were seen clapping their hands during the two-hour event -- also attended by Kim's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, and ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam.

"He (Kim Jong Un) showed great interest in the songs and lyrics (of South Korean singers) during the concert," Do Jong-hwan, Seoul's culture chief and the head of the delegation, told reporters.

The South's taekwondo athletes also staged a performance before an audience of 2,300 in Pyongyang on Sunday ahead of a joint display of the Korean martial art with the North's practitioners on Monday.

The rapprochement was triggered by the South's Winter Olympics, to which the North's leader Kim Jong Un sent athletes, cheerleaders and his powerful sister as an envoy.

A North Korean art troupe, the 140-strong Samjiyon Orchestra, staged two performances in South Korea in February to celebrate the Games.

Kim followed up by agreeing to a summit with the South's President Moon Jae-in, and offering a face-to-face meet with US President Donald Trump. Kim also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week during his first overseas trip.

The inter-Korean summit, the third after meetings in 2000 and 2007, will be held on April 27. No date has been set for the US-North Korean summit although it is expected before the end of May.

In another sign of eased tensions, an annual US-South Korean military exercise which got under way in the South Sunday will last for just one month compared to some two months normally.

This year's drills feature fewer strategic weapons such as a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Seoul's military has said. The deployment of such powerful weaponry during past drills has frequently drawn an angry response from the North.

Today's concert to a packed audience at the elaborately decorated 1,500-seat East Pyongyang Grand Theatre ended with a standing ovation after a finale in which all the stars appeared on stage to sing a song about unification.

One of the most closely watched acts was Red Velvet, part of the South's hugely popular K-pop phenomenon that has taken audiences in Asia and beyond by storm in recent decades.

The five-member girlband -- known for its signature K-pop mix of upbeat electronic music, stylish fashion and high-voltage choreography -- performed two of their hits, "Bad Boy" and "Red Flavour".

Joy, one of the five members, missed the trip to Pyongyang due to her TV drama shooting schedule.

"The North's audience applauded to our performance much louder than we expected and even sang along to our songs... It was a big relief," band member Yeri told reporters.

"I told myself, 'let's do our best even if there's no response (from the audience)... But they showed so much reaction," added a member called Wendy.

Another member, Seulgi, appeared red-eyed as she bid farewell to the audience at the end of the concert, apparently overcome with emotion.

Despite the North's isolation and strict curbs on unauthorised foreign culture, enforced with prison terms, K-pop and Seoul's TV shows have become increasingly popular there thanks to flash drives smuggled across the border with China.

The emcee of the concert was a popular member of K-pop girlband Girls' Generation, Seohyun, who had performed with the visiting Pyongyang singers during their Seoul concert in February.

Legendary South Korean singer Cho Yong-pil, who held a solo sell-out concert in Pyongyang in 2005, was another star of the show.

Kim's late father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong Il, was known to be a fan of the 68-year-old Cho.

Another famous singer, Choi Jin-hee, also performed for the fourth time in the North and sang "Maze of Love" -- a pan-peninsula hit and another of the late Kim's favourites.

But not all onlookers were receptive to the K-pop offensive.

During the taekwondo event, a previously raptured audience member turned stone-faced when the athletes showcased a performance combining K-pop dance and Taekwondo routines to a hit song of ultra-popular boyband BTS.

The stiffened crowd refused to respond to the athletes who motioned them to clap their hands to "Fire" -- an intense electro-dance score peppered with rapid-fire rap delivered in both Korean and English.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un today attended the first concert in Pyongyang for over a decade by South Korean entertainers, including a K-pop girlband, the latest gesture of reconciliation before a rare inter-Korean summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un today attended the first concert in Pyongyang for over a decade by South Korean entertainers, including a K-pop girlband, the latest gesture of reconciliation before a rare inter-Korean summit. The visit, described by many as a cultural charm-offensive by the South, came as a diplomatic thaw quickens on the peninsula after months of military tensions. The 120-member group -- 11 musical acts as well as dancers, technicians and martial artists -- gave one concert today with another set for Tuesday. Kim and his wife, a former singer herself, came to watch today's show, making him the first leader of the North to attend a concert by South Korean performers. Kim shook hands and took photos with the Seoul stars backstage, saying inter-Korean cultural events should be held more often and suggesting another event in the South Korean capital this autumn, pool reports said. The young couple were seen clapping their hands during the two-hour event -- also attended by Kim's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, and ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam. "He (Kim Jong Un) showed great interest in the songs and lyrics (of South Korean singers) during the concert," Do Jong-hwan, Seoul's culture chief and the head of the delegation, told reporters. The South's taekwondo athletes also staged a performance before an audience of 2,300 in Pyongyang on Sunday ahead of a joint display of the Korean martial art with the North's practitioners on Monday. The rapprochement was triggered by the South's Winter Olympics, to which the North's leader Kim Jong Un sent athletes, cheerleaders and his powerful sister as an envoy. A North Korean art troupe, the 140-strong Samjiyon Orchestra, staged two performances in South Korea in February to celebrate the Games. Kim followed up by agreeing to a summit with the South's President Moon Jae-in, and offering a face-to-face meet with US President Donald Trump. Kim also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week during his first overseas trip. The inter-Korean summit, the third after meetings in 2000 and 2007, will be held on April 27. No date has been set for the US-North Korean summit although it is expected before the end of May. In another sign of eased tensions, an annual US-South Korean military exercise which got under way in the South Sunday will last for just one month compared to some two months normally. This year's drills feature fewer strategic weapons such as a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Seoul's military has said. The deployment of such powerful weaponry during past drills has frequently drawn an angry response from the North. Today's concert to a packed audience at the elaborately decorated 1,500-seat East Pyongyang Grand Theatre ended with a standing ovation after a finale in which all the stars appeared on stage to sing a song about unification. One of the most closely watched acts was Red Velvet, part of the South's hugely popular K-pop phenomenon that has taken audiences in Asia and beyond by storm in recent decades. The five-member girlband -- known for its signature K-pop mix of upbeat electronic music, stylish fashion and high-voltage choreography -- performed two of their hits, "Bad Boy" and "Red Flavour". Joy, one of the five members, missed the trip to Pyongyang due to her TV drama shooting schedule. "The North's audience applauded to our performance much louder than we expected and even sang along to our songs... It was a big relief," band member Yeri told reporters. "I told myself, 'let's do our best even if there's no response (from the audience)... But they showed so much reaction," added a member called Wendy. Another member, Seulgi, appeared red-eyed as she bid farewell to the audience at the end of the concert, apparently overcome with emotion. Despite the North's isolation and strict curbs on unauthorised foreign culture, enforced with prison terms, K-pop and Seoul's TV shows have become increasingly popular there thanks to flash drives smuggled across the border with China. The emcee of the concert was a popular member of K-pop girlband Girls' Generation, Seohyun, who had performed with the visiting Pyongyang singers during their Seoul concert in February. Legendary South Korean singer Cho Yong-pil, who held a solo sell-out concert in Pyongyang in 2005, was another star of the show. Kim's late father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong Il, was known to be a fan of the 68-year-old Cho. Another famous singer, Choi Jin-hee, also performed for the fourth time in the North and sang "Maze of Love" -- a pan-peninsula hit and another of the late Kim's favourites. But not all onlookers were receptive to the K-pop offensive. During the taekwondo event, a previously raptured audience member turned stone-faced when the athletes showcased a performance combining K-pop dance and Taekwondo routines to a hit song of ultra-popular boyband BTS. The stiffened crowd refused to respond to the athletes who motioned them to clap their hands to "Fire" -- an intense electro-dance score peppered with rapid-fire rap delivered in both Korean and English.

North Korea's Kim attends South Korea concert in latest reconciliatory move

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will send a team of special envoys -- including Seoul&#39;s spy chief -- to the North on Monday to push for talks between Washington and Pyongyang on nuclear weapons.

The delegation, announced by Moon&#39;s office on Sunday, is the latest chapter in a remarkable Olympics-driven detente between the two Koreas.&nbsp;

An intense rapprochement saw the two foes march together at the South&#39;s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that ended February 25, with the North&#39;s leader Kim Jong Un sending his sister as a special envoy to the event.

Kim Yo Jong&#39;s appearance at the Games&#39; opening ceremony made global headlines, marking the first visit to the South by a member of the Kim family since the end of the Korean War.

Moon has sought to use the Pyeongchang Games to open dialogue between the US and the North in the hopes of easing a nuclear standoff that has heightened fears over global security.

He chose five top officials -- including top national security advisor Chung Eui-Yong and spy chief Suh Hoon -- to visit Pyongyang on Monday, Moon&#39;s spokesman said.&nbsp;

&quot;The special delegates will have extensive discussions over issues including creating conditions for North-US talks to denuclearise the Korean peninsula and improving inter-Korea ties,&quot; Yoon Young-chan told reporters.&nbsp;

The 10-member group -- five top delegates and five supporting officials -- would fly to the North&#39;s capital Pyongyang on Monday afternoon before returning on Tuesday, Yoon said.&nbsp;

The delegation will then fly to the US to explain the result of the talks to officials in Washington, he added.&nbsp;

Suh is a veteran in dealings with the North. He is known to have been deeply involved in negotiations to arrange two previous inter-Korea summits in 2000 and 2007.

The isolated, impoverished North staged its most powerful nuclear test and test-fired multiple missiles last year, including some capable of hitting the US mainland, in defiance of UN sanctions.&nbsp;

The North&#39;s leader Kim and US President Donald Trump have also traded threats of war and personal insults, sending tensions soaring.

Moon, who advocates dialogue with the nuclear-armed regime, said last week that Washington needs to &quot;lower the threshold for talks&quot; with Pyongyang.&nbsp;

But the US has ruled out any possibility of talks before the North takes steps towards denuclearisation, and imposed what Trump hailed as the &quot;toughest ever&quot; sanctions on Kim&#39;s regime late last month.&nbsp;

On Saturday, a foreign ministry spokesman in Pyongyang called on the US drop any preconditions for talks.

&quot;The US is taking preposterous action by continuing to trumpet an insistence that it will not have dialogue unless a right condition is met,&quot; the unnamed spokesman was quoted as saying by the state-run KCNA news agency.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will send a team of special envoys -- including Seoul's spy chief -- to the North on Monday to push for talks between Washington and Pyongyang on nuclear weapons

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will send a team of special envoys -- including Seoul's spy chief -- to the North on Monday to push for talks between Washington and Pyongyang on nuclear weapons. The delegation, announced by Moon's office on Sunday, is the latest chapter in a remarkable Olympics-driven detente between the two Koreas. An intense rapprochement saw the two foes march together at the South's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that ended February 25, with the North's leader Kim Jong Un sending his sister as a special envoy to the event. Kim Yo Jong's appearance at the Games' opening ceremony made global headlines, marking the first visit to the South by a member of the Kim family since the end of the Korean War. Moon has sought to use the Pyeongchang Games to open dialogue between the US and the North in the hopes of easing a nuclear standoff that has heightened fears over global security. He chose five top officials -- including top national security advisor Chung Eui-Yong and spy chief Suh Hoon -- to visit Pyongyang on Monday, Moon's spokesman said. "The special delegates will have extensive discussions over issues including creating conditions for North-US talks to denuclearise the Korean peninsula and improving inter-Korea ties," Yoon Young-chan told reporters. The 10-member group -- five top delegates and five supporting officials -- would fly to the North's capital Pyongyang on Monday afternoon before returning on Tuesday, Yoon said. The delegation will then fly to the US to explain the result of the talks to officials in Washington, he added. Suh is a veteran in dealings with the North. He is known to have been deeply involved in negotiations to arrange two previous inter-Korea summits in 2000 and 2007. The isolated, impoverished North staged its most powerful nuclear test and test-fired multiple missiles last year, including some capable of hitting the US mainland, in defiance of UN sanctions. The North's leader Kim and US President Donald Trump have also traded threats of war and personal insults, sending tensions soaring. Moon, who advocates dialogue with the nuclear-armed regime, said last week that Washington needs to "lower the threshold for talks" with Pyongyang. But the US has ruled out any possibility of talks before the North takes steps towards denuclearisation, and imposed what Trump hailed as the "toughest ever" sanctions on Kim's regime late last month. On Saturday, a foreign ministry spokesman in Pyongyang called on the US drop any preconditions for talks. "The US is taking preposterous action by continuing to trumpet an insistence that it will not have dialogue unless a right condition is met," the unnamed spokesman was quoted as saying by the state-run KCNA news agency.

South Korea to send envoys to North on Monday

South Korean President Moon Jae-in Thursday told Donald Trump that he plans to send a special envoy to Pyongyang, his office said, the latest in the Olympic-driven detente between the two Koreas.

An intense rapprochement saw the two Koreas march into the Games opening ceremony together behind a unification flag, and Moon shared a historic handshake with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s sister Kim Yo Jong.

&quot;In response to the visit by North Korea&#39;s special envoy Kim Yo Jong, ... Moon conveyed to Trump his plans to dispatch a special envoy to the North soon,&quot; Seoul&#39;s presidential office said in a statement following their phone conversation.

The two presidents also &quot;agreed to maintain the momentum in inter-Korean dialogue and to continue efforts so it leads to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula,&quot; it said.

Moon has sought to use the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that ended Sunday to open dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang in the hopes of easing a nuclear standoff that has sparked global security fears.

Pyongyang mounted a charm offensive during the Games, sending athletes, cheerleaders and high-level delegations following months of tensions over its nuclear and missile programmes.

Moon, who advocates dialogue with the North to defuse tension, said on Monday that Washington needs to &quot;lower the threshold for talks&quot; with the North.&nbsp;

In a meeting with North Korean General Kim Yong Chol on Sunday, Moon also urged the North to open dialogue with the US as soon as possible -- to which Kim responded by saying the North was &quot;very willing&quot; to hold talks.

But the US has ruled out any possibility of talks before Pyongyang -- which last year staged multiple missile and nuclear tests -- takes steps towards denuclearisation.

There was no known interaction between the North and the US during the Games and Washington last week imposed what Trump described as the &quot;heaviest ever&quot; sanctions on the isolated regime.

The two presidents also 'agreed to maintain the momentum in inter-Korean dialogue and to continue efforts so it leads to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula'

South Korean President Moon Jae-in Thursday told Donald Trump that he plans to send a special envoy to Pyongyang, his office said, the latest in the Olympic-driven detente between the two Koreas. An intense rapprochement saw the two Koreas march into the Games opening ceremony together behind a unification flag, and Moon shared a historic handshake with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong. "In response to the visit by North Korea's special envoy Kim Yo Jong, ... Moon conveyed to Trump his plans to dispatch a special envoy to the North soon," Seoul's presidential office said in a statement following their phone conversation. The two presidents also "agreed to maintain the momentum in inter-Korean dialogue and to continue efforts so it leads to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," it said. Moon has sought to use the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that ended Sunday to open dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang in the hopes of easing a nuclear standoff that has sparked global security fears. Pyongyang mounted a charm offensive during the Games, sending athletes, cheerleaders and high-level delegations following months of tensions over its nuclear and missile programmes. Moon, who advocates dialogue with the North to defuse tension, said on Monday that Washington needs to "lower the threshold for talks" with the North. In a meeting with North Korean General Kim Yong Chol on Sunday, Moon also urged the North to open dialogue with the US as soon as possible -- to which Kim responded by saying the North was "very willing" to hold talks. But the US has ruled out any possibility of talks before Pyongyang -- which last year staged multiple missile and nuclear tests -- takes steps towards denuclearisation. There was no known interaction between the North and the US during the Games and Washington last week imposed what Trump described as the "heaviest ever" sanctions on the isolated regime.

Will send special envoy to North Korea: South Korea to Trump

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday the United States should lower the threshold for talks with North Korea, while Pyongyang should in return show willingness towards denuclearisation.

&quot;Recently, North Korea has shown it is open to actively engaging the United States in talks and the United States is talking about the importance of dialogue,&quot; Moon said during a meeting in Seoul with Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong.

&quot;There is a need for the United States to lower the threshold for talks with North Korea and North Korea should show it is willing to denuclearise. It&#39;s important the United States and North Korea sit down together quickly,&quot; he said, according to a statement from his office.

'There is a need for the United States to lower the threshold for talks with North Korea and North Korea should show it is willing to denuclearise,' the South Korean President said

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday the United States should lower the threshold for talks with North Korea, while Pyongyang should in return show willingness towards denuclearisation. "Recently, North Korea has shown it is open to actively engaging the United States in talks and the United States is talking about the importance of dialogue," Moon said during a meeting in Seoul with Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong. "There is a need for the United States to lower the threshold for talks with North Korea and North Korea should show it is willing to denuclearise. It's important the United States and North Korea sit down together quickly," he said, according to a statement from his office.

South Korea's Moon says US should lower threshold for North Korea talks

South Korean President Moon Jae-in sat next to the powerful sister of the North&#39;s leader Kim Jong Un at a concert in Seoul by musicians from Pyongyang, as conservative protesters burned the North&#39;s national flag outside Sunday.&nbsp;

The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation&#39;s landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the two halves of the peninsula, and they flew back home afterwards.

They have shared kimchi and soju with Moon, sat in the same box at the Olympics opening ceremony and cheered a unified women&#39;s ice hockey team together.

Kim on Saturday invited Moon to a summit in the North, an offer extended by his sister and special envoy Kim Yo Jong, who made history as the first member of the North&#39;s ruling dynasty to visit the South since the Korean War.

Moon did not immediately accept the invitation and has said he hopes the &quot;right conditions&quot; will be created so it can go ahead.

Pictures showed Yo Jong seated between Moon and the North&#39;s ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam, who is officially leading the North&#39;s delegation, and applauding at Sunday&#39;s concert.

The show by Pyongyang&#39;s Samjiyon Orchestra featured a surprise appearance by Seohyun, of top South Korean K-pop girlband Girls Generation. It was part of a cross-border deal in which the isolated nuclear-armed North sent hundreds of athletes, cheerleaders and others to the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the South.&nbsp;

At an earlier dinner with senior Seoul officials, Yo Jong said she found the two Koreas still had much in common despite decades of separation.&nbsp;

Before flying south, she said, she had expected &quot;things would be very different and unfamiliar&quot;, according to a statement from Moon&#39;s office.&nbsp;

&quot;But it turned out that there were many things similar and in common,&quot; she went on. &quot;I hope that the day we become one will be brought forward.&quot;

But the rapprochement pushed by the dovish Moon has angered conservatives, who accuse him of being a North Korea sympathiser and undermining the security alliance with the US.&nbsp;

&quot;Having these red communists in the heart of Seoul is an utter humilation!&quot; one shouted near the venue as dozens of others waved banners condemning both Moon and Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

&quot;We are against the ugly political Olympics!&quot; read one banner.

Some set a North Korean flag on fire before police intervened, and others chanted &quot;Let&#39;s tear Kim Jong Un to death!&quot; as they ripped up posters bearing his portrait.

The North&#39;s presence has dominated the headlines in the early days of the Olympics, with all eyes turning to Swiss-educated Kim Yo Jong, believed to be 30, who is among her brother&#39;s closest confidantes.

Political divide 
 
Sunday&#39;s 100-minute concert -- the orchestra&#39;s second and final show -- included about 40 songs, among them South Korean pop hits as well as North Korean and other world music.&nbsp;

Seoul&#39;s TV shows and K-pop songs are smuggled across the border with China and known to be popular among many North Koreans despite the risk of severe punishment. &nbsp;

At one point Hyon Song Wol, the leader of the North&#39;s popular Moranbong girlband, took the stage to perform a unification-themed song.

Public interest in the show was huge, with nearly 120,000 people applying for just 1,000 tickets.

Civilian contact is strictly banned between the two Koreas, which have been divided since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

Tensions soared last year as the North staged a series of nuclear and missile tests in violation of UN resolutions, while leader Kim and US President Donald Trump traded colourful insults and threats of war.

Moon has long sought engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, and for months has promoted Pyeongchang as a &quot;peace Olympics&quot;.&nbsp;

But controversy over the North&#39;s participation -- particularly the formation of a unified women&#39;s ice hockey team, seen as unfairly denying Seoul&#39;s own citizens a chance to compete on the Olympic stage -- has hit his approval ratings.

Many older South Koreans on both sides of the political divide harbour a nostalgic longing for some form of reunification -- conservatives through the North&#39;s collapse, liberals through a more amicable arrangement.

But younger South Koreans have spent their adult lives in a culturally vibrant democracy regularly menaced and occasionally attacked by Pyongyang. They have far less interest in unification and fear its social and economic consequences.

A poll last year found almost 50 percent of over-60s believed the two Koreas can be reunified, while just 20.5 percent of those in their 20s agreed.

The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation's landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the two halves of the peninsula

South Korean President Moon Jae-in sat next to the powerful sister of the North's leader Kim Jong Un at a concert in Seoul by musicians from Pyongyang, as conservative protesters burned the North's national flag outside Sunday. The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation's landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the two halves of the peninsula, and they flew back home afterwards. They have shared kimchi and soju with Moon, sat in the same box at the Olympics opening ceremony and cheered a unified women's ice hockey team together. Kim on Saturday invited Moon to a summit in the North, an offer extended by his sister and special envoy Kim Yo Jong, who made history as the first member of the North's ruling dynasty to visit the South since the Korean War. Moon did not immediately accept the invitation and has said he hopes the "right conditions" will be created so it can go ahead. Pictures showed Yo Jong seated between Moon and the North's ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam, who is officially leading the North's delegation, and applauding at Sunday's concert. The show by Pyongyang's Samjiyon Orchestra featured a surprise appearance by Seohyun, of top South Korean K-pop girlband Girls Generation. It was part of a cross-border deal in which the isolated nuclear-armed North sent hundreds of athletes, cheerleaders and others to the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the South. At an earlier dinner with senior Seoul officials, Yo Jong said she found the two Koreas still had much in common despite decades of separation. Before flying south, she said, she had expected "things would be very different and unfamiliar", according to a statement from Moon's office. "But it turned out that there were many things similar and in common," she went on. "I hope that the day we become one will be brought forward." But the rapprochement pushed by the dovish Moon has angered conservatives, who accuse him of being a North Korea sympathiser and undermining the security alliance with the US. "Having these red communists in the heart of Seoul is an utter humilation!" one shouted near the venue as dozens of others waved banners condemning both Moon and Kim Jong Un. "We are against the ugly political Olympics!" read one banner. Some set a North Korean flag on fire before police intervened, and others chanted "Let's tear Kim Jong Un to death!" as they ripped up posters bearing his portrait. The North's presence has dominated the headlines in the early days of the Olympics, with all eyes turning to Swiss-educated Kim Yo Jong, believed to be 30, who is among her brother's closest confidantes. Political divide Sunday's 100-minute concert -- the orchestra's second and final show -- included about 40 songs, among them South Korean pop hits as well as North Korean and other world music. Seoul's TV shows and K-pop songs are smuggled across the border with China and known to be popular among many North Koreans despite the risk of severe punishment. At one point Hyon Song Wol, the leader of the North's popular Moranbong girlband, took the stage to perform a unification-themed song. Public interest in the show was huge, with nearly 120,000 people applying for just 1,000 tickets. Civilian contact is strictly banned between the two Koreas, which have been divided since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty. Tensions soared last year as the North staged a series of nuclear and missile tests in violation of UN resolutions, while leader Kim and US President Donald Trump traded colourful insults and threats of war. Moon has long sought engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, and for months has promoted Pyeongchang as a "peace Olympics". But controversy over the North's participation -- particularly the formation of a unified women's ice hockey team, seen as unfairly denying Seoul's own citizens a chance to compete on the Olympic stage -- has hit his approval ratings. Many older South Koreans on both sides of the political divide harbour a nostalgic longing for some form of reunification -- conservatives through the North's collapse, liberals through a more amicable arrangement. But younger South Koreans have spent their adult lives in a culturally vibrant democracy regularly menaced and occasionally attacked by Pyongyang. They have far less interest in unification and fear its social and economic consequences. A poll last year found almost 50 percent of over-60s believed the two Koreas can be reunified, while just 20.5 percent of those in their 20s agreed.

South Korea's Moon watches concert with Kim Jong Un's sister

The Winter Olympics sparked to life in a vivid, colourful ceremony of fire and ice in South Korea on Friday, though the diplomacy was tougher to choreograph in the stadium where leaders from nations that are sworn enemies sat close together.

South Korea, which is using the Pyeongchang Games to break the ice with North Korea, seated its presidential couple alongside US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, with two of the North&#39;s most senior officials sitting in the row behind.

President Moon Jae-in, who wants to harness the Olympic spirit to pave the way for talks over the North&#39;s weapons programme, warmly shook hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s smiling sister as well as the North&#39;s nominal head of state.

The South is still technically at war with the North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, and the United States and North Korea have recently swapped nuclear threats. Pence vowed only this week to tighten sanctions on the North.

Underlining Moon&#39;s efforts to re-engage with the North, the opening ceremony followed the story line of children wandering through a mythical landscape and discovering a world where people live in peace and harmony.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach told the crowd that by allowing their athletes to march together under one flag at the ceremony, North and South Korea had shown sport&#39;s &quot;unique power&quot; to unite people.

&quot;All the athletes around me, all the spectators here in the stadium, and all Olympic fans watching around the world ... we are all touched by this wonderful gesture,&quot; he said.

The Olympics have provided some respite from years of tense relations between Seoul and Pyongyang, though just hours before the ceremony hundreds of anti-North Korean protesters scuffled with riot police outside the stadium, burning North Korean flags and pictures of its leader, Kim Jong Un.

South Korea&#39;s frigid February, where temperatures have plummeted to minus 20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) at night, has come as a shock to the system for athletes and visitors alike in the leadup to these Games, prompting concerns about hypothermia at the opening ceremony.

The weather was a little milder than feared on Friday, but spectators still huddled near heaters, holding hot packs and slurping down steaming fishcake soup to ward off the chills.

Bundled up in a scarf, mask and knitted hat, with hot packs tucked into her knee blanket, office worker Shin Hye-sook said she and her three colleagues were coping with the cold.

&quot;We&#39;re sitting as close as we can and trying not to move a lot to save our energy,&quot; said the 60-year-old.

Long wait finally over

Pyeongchang has waited a long time for this moment.

The alpine town first bid for the 2010 Games but narrowly lost out to Vancouver, and suffered similar heartbreak when it was beaten to the 2014 Olympics by Sochi.

After announcing its arrival on the international stage by hosting the 1988 Seoul Olympics, South Korea now wants to show the world just how far it has come over the last 30 years with a Games showcasing its culture and technological prowess.

According to Olympic tradition, the Greek contingent headed the parade of athletes into the open-air stadium, followed by the other delegations in order according to the Korean alphabet.

Pence stood to welcome the U.S. athletes as the Korean pop hit Gangnam Style blared around the stadium, sparking the &#39;Horse Dance&#39; in the crowd and among the volunteers.

The moment failed to elicit even a smile from the two senior North Korean officials in the VIPs box, however, as they sat stony-faced in black fluffy hats and long coats.

Elsewhere in the stadium, a Kim Jong Un impersonator was not made as welcome as the North Koreans in the VIP box and was ejected by security. &quot;Well is my sister getting the same treatment?&quot; he demanded to know.

As the athletes made their way around the track, one of the biggest cheers was reserved for muscle-bound Tongan Pita Taufatofua, who repeated his famed Rio Games entrance by marching in shirtless, oiled up and wearing a traditional skirt -- this time in sub-zero temperatures.

Later, the crowd erupted as athletes from North and South Korea marched together under the unification flag for the first time at an Olympics since 2006.

&quot;It was incredible,&quot; spectator Eim Young-joo said.

North Korean cheerleaders greeted the athletes by waving a controversial version of the flag depicting disputed islands known as Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese.

Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Norio Maruyama said he had not seen the flag so he did not want to comment.

As the ceremony neared an end, the Olympic flame was carried by a succession of Korean sporting heroes including 2016 Rio Games golf champion Park In-bee and soccer player Ahn Jung-hwan, who scored the winning goal against Italy at the 2002 World Cup.

It finally found its way to figure skating star Kim Yuna, who won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and silver in Sochi four years later.

Kim, who travelled the world as a Games ambassador in the run-up to Pyeongchang, performed a short skating routine before sending flames shooting up to light the cauldron.

The Winter Olympics sparked to life in a vivid, colourful ceremony of fire and ice in South Korea on Friday

The Winter Olympics sparked to life in a vivid, colourful ceremony of fire and ice in South Korea on Friday, though the diplomacy was tougher to choreograph in the stadium where leaders from nations that are sworn enemies sat close together. South Korea, which is using the Pyeongchang Games to break the ice with North Korea, seated its presidential couple alongside US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, with two of the North's most senior officials sitting in the row behind. President Moon Jae-in, who wants to harness the Olympic spirit to pave the way for talks over the North's weapons programme, warmly shook hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's smiling sister as well as the North's nominal head of state. The South is still technically at war with the North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, and the United States and North Korea have recently swapped nuclear threats. Pence vowed only this week to tighten sanctions on the North. Underlining Moon's efforts to re-engage with the North, the opening ceremony followed the story line of children wandering through a mythical landscape and discovering a world where people live in peace and harmony. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach told the crowd that by allowing their athletes to march together under one flag at the ceremony, North and South Korea had shown sport's "unique power" to unite people. "All the athletes around me, all the spectators here in the stadium, and all Olympic fans watching around the world ... we are all touched by this wonderful gesture," he said. The Olympics have provided some respite from years of tense relations between Seoul and Pyongyang, though just hours before the ceremony hundreds of anti-North Korean protesters scuffled with riot police outside the stadium, burning North Korean flags and pictures of its leader, Kim Jong Un. South Korea's frigid February, where temperatures have plummeted to minus 20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) at night, has come as a shock to the system for athletes and visitors alike in the leadup to these Games, prompting concerns about hypothermia at the opening ceremony. The weather was a little milder than feared on Friday, but spectators still huddled near heaters, holding hot packs and slurping down steaming fishcake soup to ward off the chills. Bundled up in a scarf, mask and knitted hat, with hot packs tucked into her knee blanket, office worker Shin Hye-sook said she and her three colleagues were coping with the cold. "We're sitting as close as we can and trying not to move a lot to save our energy," said the 60-year-old. Long wait finally over Pyeongchang has waited a long time for this moment. The alpine town first bid for the 2010 Games but narrowly lost out to Vancouver, and suffered similar heartbreak when it was beaten to the 2014 Olympics by Sochi. After announcing its arrival on the international stage by hosting the 1988 Seoul Olympics, South Korea now wants to show the world just how far it has come over the last 30 years with a Games showcasing its culture and technological prowess. According to Olympic tradition, the Greek contingent headed the parade of athletes into the open-air stadium, followed by the other delegations in order according to the Korean alphabet. Pence stood to welcome the U.S. athletes as the Korean pop hit Gangnam Style blared around the stadium, sparking the 'Horse Dance' in the crowd and among the volunteers. The moment failed to elicit even a smile from the two senior North Korean officials in the VIPs box, however, as they sat stony-faced in black fluffy hats and long coats. Elsewhere in the stadium, a Kim Jong Un impersonator was not made as welcome as the North Koreans in the VIP box and was ejected by security. "Well is my sister getting the same treatment?" he demanded to know. As the athletes made their way around the track, one of the biggest cheers was reserved for muscle-bound Tongan Pita Taufatofua, who repeated his famed Rio Games entrance by marching in shirtless, oiled up and wearing a traditional skirt -- this time in sub-zero temperatures. Later, the crowd erupted as athletes from North and South Korea marched together under the unification flag for the first time at an Olympics since 2006. "It was incredible," spectator Eim Young-joo said. North Korean cheerleaders greeted the athletes by waving a controversial version of the flag depicting disputed islands known as Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese. Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Norio Maruyama said he had not seen the flag so he did not want to comment. As the ceremony neared an end, the Olympic flame was carried by a succession of Korean sporting heroes including 2016 Rio Games golf champion Park In-bee and soccer player Ahn Jung-hwan, who scored the winning goal against Italy at the 2002 World Cup. It finally found its way to figure skating star Kim Yuna, who won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and silver in Sochi four years later. Kim, who travelled the world as a Games ambassador in the run-up to Pyeongchang, performed a short skating routine before sending flames shooting up to light the cauldron.

Olympics: Awkward diplomacy on show as 'peace' Games begin

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