Kim and Moon exchange letters of hope amid tension

North Korea’s state media said Kim Jong Un on Wednesday received a personal letter from outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in and which replied on Thursday with his own letter, appreciating Moon’s peace efforts during his term.  Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency said the exchange of letters showed their “deep trust”.

In his letter, Moon acknowledged setbacks in inter-Korean relations but insisted that their aspirational vows for peace, made during their summits in 2018, and an accompanying military agreement aimed at defusing border area clashes, remained relevant as a foundation for future cooperation.

A spokesperson for Moon said the president also expressed hope for a resumption of nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang and for Kim to pursue cooperation with Seoul's next government, led by conservative President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol.