[Issue Talk] How will recent developments impact denuke talks?

김정은-트럼프 '간접대화'로 교감…비핵화협상 돌파구 열리나

To dissect the mixed responses coming from the U.S.,.. and other developments that may affect North Korea's denuclearization,... Professor Kim Han-kwon from the Korea National Diplomatic Academy joins us in the studio.
Professor Kim, welcome to the show.

My pleasure.

1 The U.S. was quick to respond to the outcome of the visit by South Korea's delegation to Pyongyang. President Donald Trump thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for his trust in him,... despite bumps in the road -- adding they will get it done. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo struck a heavier tone -- saying there's still a lot that needs to be done. What do you make of these two quite different tones?

2 South Korea's presidential security advisor Chung Eui-yong also shared the outcome of his recent visit to Pyongyang with his American counterpart, John Bolton. Now, the two agreed to stay in touch ahead of the planned inter-Korean summit and South Korean President Moon Jae-in's attendance at the UN General Assembly. Do you see this as a means to step up the Seoul-Washington alliance?

3 The U.S. special envoy on North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will be in South Korea on Monday to meet with officials, and North Korea issues are likely to be top of the agenda. It will come just about a week ahead of the planned inter-Korean summit.... what kind of message do you think he'll be bringing on behalf of President Trump?

4 Now on Sunday,... North Korea will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding. It's a big day for Pyongyang,... and it appears that a lot of effort is being put into preparing for the celebration. Could you elaborate on what significance this day has... for our viewers who may be unfamiliar.

5 The North Korean leader has attended the celebrations marking the regime's foundation just once back in 2013. Do you think he'll make a public appearance this time?

6 There had been speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping could attend the ceremony in North Korea. But now it's been confirmed that his right hand man -- Li Zhanshu, the Chairman of China's National People's Congress will be there instead. There's been a lot of interpretation about what this means. What do you make of it?

7 Li Zhanshu -- he's not VVIP,... but he still is a ranking official in China. What impact to you think his visit will have on North Korea-China relations?

8 Now do you think a possible sit down between Li and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un,... or whatever is on the table for discussion with North Korean officials, could become a possible gamechanger in North Korea's denuclearization? In recent weeks, President Trump has blamed China for interfering and influencing North Korea to be more difficult in negotiations....

9 Back in March,... when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Beijing for the first time,... Chinese President Xi Jinping promised that he would also visit North Korea in return. Although a visit this weeke