북미 정상회담 확정, 남은 변수는? - 김현욱 박사 대담

For more in-depth analysis into these latest developments, we have with us Professor Kim Hyun-wook, from the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. It's good to have you with us again, Professor.

My pleasure.

1 - After President Trump met with North Korean senior official Kim Yong-chol last week, he said a deal might not be reached in one go, and that several meetings might be needed. Does this suggest that he has perhaps given up on the one 'big shot' deal for denuclearization and possibly even going for some sort of 'phased' approach?

2 - How do you see the process of the denuclearization happening? What steps should we expect over the next few months and years?

3 - Trump has hinted that a declaration to end the Korean War could be reached. What do you make of this development?

3a. - There is also a suggestion that a "non-aggression pact" should be pursued rather than a peace treaty. That's a level between the current armistice and a full peace treaty. What do you think of that suggestion?

4 - If a declaration to end the Korean War is to be agreed, then a trilateral summit, with Moon, Kim and Trump could be on the table as well. How likely do you think that could be?

5 - There was quite a lot of criticism in U.S. media towards Trump's meeting with Kim, everything from the agenda of the meeting to the rather comic picture of Trump receiving that oversized envelope containing Kim Jong-un's letter. What do you think of that reaction? Do you think it says anything about concerns that the U.S. still has about North Korea?

6 - The working level talks at Panmunjom between North Korea and U.S. are said to be continuing for a 5th round today. It seems to be taking far longer than we expected. Should this be considered a good or bad sign?

7 - There's so far no confirmation from North Korea of Kim Yong-chol's trip to the U.S. or confirmation that the summit with the U.S. is back on. Is there anything we can read into this?

8 - There are reports emerging that three North Korean top military officials have been fired and replaced. It's not clear why they have been replaced, but there are suggestions that Kim Jong-un was looking to silence any objections to his change in stance in dealing with South Korea and the U.S. What do you think this signifies, and could there really be dissenting voices in the North's hierarchy?

9 - Kim Yong-chol, on his way back to Pyongyang, had a one day stop-off in Beijing, like he did on his way to the U.S. as well. It would be natural to think that he will have spent that time briefing Beijing on his talks with Trump and Pompeo, right?

10 - There is just over a week until the scheduled North Korea-U.S. summit. We hope it's smooth-sailing till then, but what do you think could go wrong over the next few days? What do the parties need to be careful of?

Thank you for your time Professor.