Winds of change in denuclearization for North Korea, says expert

Kim Yeon-chul, head of the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification said that the active denuclearization moves by North Korea are quite different from the forced ones from the past, at the 2018 Korean Peninsula Peace Symposium.

At the symposium conducted by the Ministry of Unification and Yonhap News agency, Kim said, "Due to a turning point created after the North-U.S. summit, denuclearization and normalization of relations have been simultaneously and comprehensively pursued. "

"Unlike the forced denuclearization of the past, the concept of denuclearization is being changed to active denuclearization."

He further explained that Pyongyang has been involved in voluntarily stopping nuclear and missile tests and has also disassembled it's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri without any outside rewards.

He also talked of an impending consensus on advancing denuclearization during US President Donald Trump's term, as the negotiations continue at the top and working levels.

He also stressed on the creation of a peace zone within the Demilitarised zone where they would launch various inter-Korean cooperation projects in the Yellow  Sea.

But head of the private Sejong Institute Paik Hak-soon, spoke positively about North Korean leader Kim-Jong un's committment to denuclearization.

But he also expects many problems to occur in the process of denuclearization.

Paik said, "There will remain a lot of problems in the denuclearization process.

"They include verification, inspections and (concern about) Pyongyang's complete disclosure of nuclear facilities and responses from the U.S."

But he sounded optimistic while saying, , "Kim Jong-un has a strong will to survive and develop his country."

"The problems will eventually be resolved though it will take some time."

He added. "In the past, the North didn't ask for guarantee for its security in return for denuclearization.

"Such a position seems to indicate Kim's sincerity."