Thursday, February 28, 2019

Seoul disappointed but hopeful for fresh talks after Hanoi summit collapse

The South Korean government had high expectations for the Hanoi Summit. But President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong-un abruptly ended their summit with no deal. Seoul has said it's disappointed but hopeful for future talks. As Bruce Harrison tells us, the reaction among the public was similar.


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Disappointment downtown.


SOT, Korean, Mr. Kim, retiree


Mr. Kim, a retiree, said the Hanoi summit was a vain effort, and President Trump probably went home in a bad mood.


So, he says, it's going to take a long time for Trump to strike a deal with leader Kim.


For weeks, South Korea's government built up hope there would be progress toward peace.


President Moon Jae-in is expected to announce a grand new policy for engagement with North Korea.


That will be difficult, if not impossible, if the U.S. doesn't ease sanctions.


And amid domestic economic troubles, recent polling shows South Koreans are losing interest in the peace process.


But the fact that Kim and Trump are even talking offers hope to some.


SOT, Korean, Mr. Park, retiree


Mr. Park, another retiree, believes they'll eventually sign a deal.


He said North Korea's poor economy will force Kim to make the right choice.


For Washington, that choice would be Kim giving up his weapons.


But there was no indication in Hanoi Kim is ready to do that.


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