Kim Jong-un’s Overture Could Drive a Wedge Between South Korea and the U.S.<br />After ignoring South Korea for years, Mr. Kim called for urgent dialogue to discuss improving ties<br />and easing military tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula, even as he claimed an ability to strike the mainland United States with nuclear missiles.<br />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<br />but also undercutting President Trump’s tough approach to the nuclear-armed North.<br />“After getting nowhere with the Americans, North Korea is now trying to start talks with South Korea first and then use<br />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.<br />Mr. Kim also agreed to a request by President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to send a<br />North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in the South next month.
