Kim Jong-un’s Overture Could Drive a Wedge Between South Korea and the U.S.

Kim Jong-un’s Overture Could Drive a Wedge Between South Korea and the U.S.
After ignoring South Korea for years, Mr. Kim called for urgent dialogue to discuss improving ties
and easing military tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula, even as he claimed an ability to strike the mainland United States with nuclear missiles.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s surprise call on Monday for direct talks with South Korea could drive a wedge into the decades-old alliance between Seoul and Washington, potentially creating a reprieve from months of tensions
but also undercutting President Trump’s tough approach to the nuclear-armed North.
“After getting nowhere with the Americans, North Korea is now trying to start talks with South Korea first and then use
that as a channel to start dialogue with the United States,” said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.
Mr. Kim also agreed to a request by President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to send a
North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in the South next month.