Why in News:

• North Korea said that nuclear negotiations with the U.S. will never resume unless President Trump’s administration moves away from what Pyongyang described as unilateral demands by U.S. for disarmament

Details: / US and North Korea’s relations

• Last year, North Korea had scored a nuclear double, with 2 intercontinental ballistic missiles first capable of reaching Alaska and second up to California.
• It   then  detonated  its  most  powerful  nuclear weapon, a 120 kiloton-boosted fission device.
• Given the fact that it has been taking efforts to become nuclear capable, the situation was likely to turn into another Cuban missile crisis.
• This led into threats by both North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump against each other.
• Only due to the efforts by South Korean President, the matters have improved well enough to entertain dialogue and negotiations.

What is South Korea’s role in US-NK diplomacy?

• South Korean President, who originally hails from North Korea used the Winter Olympics as an opportunity to conciliate with North Korea.
• As North Korea responded positively, South Korea used thisdiplomatic opportunity to address more serious bilateral issues as well as the stand-off with the U.S
• A North-South summit was the outcome and the North Korean President expressed his eagerness to meet the US President and to refrain from any further nuclear tests.