South Korea

These are individuals [young South Koreans] who have grown up with multiple announcements and declarations about the North's threatening postures and programs. So in a way, they've become very familiar with this narrative.

While the U.N. sanctions have made access to funds and goods more difficult, they have caused no lasting and severe damage as North Koreans have become very resourceful and entrepreneurial at bartering and trading on the black market. One could say that sanctions encourage them to take more individual risks as well as seek other ways to make money.

Improving relations with Korea is essential [for Japan] to increasing security with respect to China’s economic and military growth, securing Korea’s entry and cooperation in the TPP [trans pacific partnership, a multi-national trade pact], and improving alliance with the United States.

Carrying through on the trilateral and the bilateral meetings without confrontations or outright resistance on any issue would be an achievement itself.