Kim Jong Un Says Continuing Dialogue With South Korea Important

Sees 'Warm Climate of Reconciliation' Amid Olympic Diplomacy

Speaking to the KCNA state media outlet, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un appeared very upbeat about continued diplomacy after the Winter Olympics, saying that he sees a “warm climate of reconciliation and dialogue,” and that keeping up with the dialogue is important.

Kim Yo Jong shakes hands with South Korea’s President Moon

It’s hard to believe that about a month ago, the two Koreas had no direct contacts at all. A couple of brief meetings in the DMZ led to North Korea sending a very high-level delegation to the Winter Olympics, and that’s led to a lot of opportunities for talking, and expressions of unity.

Now, the two nations are riding high on the Olympics, and South Korea’s President Moon has a standing invitation to visit North Korea, an opportunity that would potentially be even more significant than what’s come so far.

Kim says he believes South Korea’s accommodation for their last minute Olympic involvement was “very impressive,” and while US officials continue to downplay the chances of the diplomacy amounting to anything, it seems it already has, and both Kim and Moon are looking to build on the strong foundation they’ve suddenly got.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.