South Korea's Moon cites 'desperate need' for ways to improve ties with North

In an annual New Year's speech in Seoul, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea, adding that he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary. Moon called for new talks with Kim Jong Un, and vowed to keep up work to facilitate U.S.-North Korea communication.

He also said he would continue to push for restarting the Kaesong Industrial Complex and tours to Mt. Kumgang, and mentioned border cooperation without elaborating. He added the joint 2032 Olympics bid would be a unifying event, as would completing the inter-Korean railroad.  Moon also said that the relationship between Japan and South Korea could develop faster if Japan withdraws its export curbs.