Thread by @NoonInKorea

SK media report the special message from KJU conveyed to Trump via SK envoys involves setting up US embassy in Pyongyang as part of normalizing US-NK relations. "It's much bigger than releasing 3 US hostages. KJU wants full diplomatic relations with US."
news.donga.com/Main/3/all/201…

What does that mean? That means NK wants a peace treaty and that's why KJU said, "We need some warranty: we need assurance of regime preservation and safety from our counterpart (US)." So NK wants to not only remove accumulated UNSCR sanctions but wants full diplomatic relations.

That could set separate agendas for the 2 summits taking place in April & May: for the US-NK summit, security and military-related issues will be on the table: denuclearization & peace negotiations. For the SK-NK summit, relaxing tensions, separate families, cultural exchanges

Per SK insider, "KJU wants firm US pledge of peace and 'regime preservation' is key consideration." That's what's being asked for the offer of "apparent denuclearization" on the part of NK. KJU also voluntarily described NK as a "poor country."
news.donga.com/rss/feed/3/all…

NK watchers are still skeptical. But some believe NK does not see nukes & missiles as ends in themselves but as currencies to trade for things like security guarantees, economic aid and even diplomacy: "It could be a long-term strategic move on the part of KJU," who's still young

Obviously one strong factor in the decision is the economic squeeze wrought by continuing sanctions. They may be beginning to shake the faith of KWP and military elites and could widen to regular Pyongyangites. "He probably saw there're limits to what he can do with nukes"

Some thought the special message was regarding 3 US hostages or KJU's promise to not to develop ICMBs which could target continental US. But ICBMs will be part of denuclearization talks and the hostages may be offered by NK as a "gift" to US during talks.
news.donga.com/Main/3/all/201…

Moon's handlers reassure Japan-Russia-China. "After we establish a 'peaceful order' on Korean peninsula, others will follow: NK-Japan diplomatic relations that will solve abductee issues." There will be no "Japan-China passing." That's why Chung & Suh are going to those countries

In any case that was apparently why Trump was so enthusiastic. He was convinced by these 2 SK envoys (Suh and Chung) that NK has a long-term vision laid out and that vision involves economic development and disarmament, if a pledge of "regime preservation" can be guaranteed by US