At the Singapore summit, North Korea insisted that Kim was meeting Trump from a position of strength, based on accomplishments resulting from an accelerated schedule of nuclear and missile testing. On the other hand, the Trump administration portrayed Kim as desperate, arguing that massive pressure worked and that an ultimatum would be sufficient to compel North Korea’s comprehensive denuclearization. For his part, Kim Jong-un in his 2019 New Year’s address built on North Korea’s underlying narrative of leadership strength. Kim emphasized practical steps toward achieving economic development while doubling down on his determination to improve North Korea’s relationship with the U.S. For Kim, only reconciliation with the U.S. can remove the biggest obstacles preventing North Korea’s economic prosperity.

Source: Forbes February 13, 2019 07:41 UTC