비건, 청와대 방문 예정... 추가 메시지 주목<br /><br />Let's start with the latest on the attempts to get North Korea back to the table for talks.<br />The U.S. point-man on North Korea, Stephen Biegun, dropped by South Korea's presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae this morning.<br />Biegun, who is also the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, held talks with Seoul's newly-appointed National Security Advisor.<br />For more, we have our presidential correspondent Kim Min-ji on the line.<br />Min-ji, do we have any details about the meeting yet?<br />Well Mark, no comments yet from the Blue House, but what we do know is that Biegen met with newly-appointed National Security Advisor Suh Hoon this morning.<br />Their meeting started at 10 AM,... but we've yet to hear how long it lasted or what was discussed.<br />It's speculated that the two likely discussed North Korea issues,... and possibly ways to get Pyeongyang back at the negotiating table.<br />Mind you, the North has recently said it doesn't have any intention of talking with Washington.<br />Biegun did not meet with President Moon Jae-in.<br />Now Biegun's trip to Seoul has drawn a lot of attention given that it comes amid a stalemate in Korean Peninsula affairs.<br />If you recall, North Korea has cut off communication channels with South Korea,... and recently blew up the joint liaison office.<br />On Wednesday, Biegun met with Seoul's top foreign ministry officials following which he said the U.S. "strongly" supports inter-Korean cooperation.<br />He added that he's ready to resume negotiations with the North at any time and that the U.S. looks forward to continuing work toward a peaceful outcome on the Korean Peninsula.<br />After wrapping up his stay, Biegun will head to Japan for talks with officials there.<br />Back to you Mark.<br />
