28년 만의 UFG 중단, 북한의 상응 조치는? - 봉영식 박사 대담

To further look at the significance of suspending the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills, we have with us Dr. Bong Young-shik, from the Yonsei Institute for North Korea Studies. Thank you for coming in today.

My pleasure.

1 - It's been confirmed now that the Ulchi Freedom Guardian drills will be suspended. It's the first time in 28 years that they won't be happening. Can you briefly explain what the UFG exercises are and why they are important?

2 - What effect does it have on the defense readiness for South Korea and the U.S.?

2a - What does this mean for North Korea?

3 - Do you think this could lead to a permanent suspension of the joint South Korea-U.S. military drills, including the big ones that come in the spring, the Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises?

3a - There's a question of whether this action needed to be taken. When South Korea's national security advisor, Chung Eui-yong, met with Kim Jong-un earlier this year, the North Korea leader told Chung that he "understands the need for the routine joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. and why they must continue." If this was Kim's stance, what was the need to give Kim this concession? Was it really all about cost as Trump has said?

3b - This option for halting exercises was always on the table, and in fact what China had suggested for a long time. Why had it not been done previously?