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Wrapping up a second visit to South Korea in four months, U.S assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Thursday,　“The critical component in terms of developments on the Korean Peninsula in the current environment is to see a re-engagement between North and South Korea.”

The U.S. believes “there are some signs of dialogue and engagement between North Korea and South Korea and we encourage that process to continue,” Campbell told a reporter who asked about conditions for bilateral or nuclear talks with Pyongyang after meeting with South Korean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-shin and chief nuclear envoy Wi Sung-lac.

His remarks have been interpreted to mean that the U.S.- North Korea talks may be possible after to some extent the restoration of inter-Korean talks, a different route from China’s solution. China placed first priority to U.S.-North Korea talks to restore six-party talks. As for the re-engagement, “the fundamentals of that really are for South Koreans to decide,” he added.

South Korea is considering adjusting North Korea-proposed dates for talks on resumption of Mt. Kumgang tours, an official said Friday, apparently in part to prevent Pyongyang from using the talks as a bargaining chip in arranging family reunions.

North Korea had proposed last week that both countries meet on Oct. 15 for working-level discussions on reopening tours to North Korea‘s Mt. Kumgang. Both countries plan to hold family reunions from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5.

(Yonhap News Agency)

South Korea’s financial watchdog Financial Services Commission (FSC) has informed Shinhan Financial Group of heavy disciplinary measures on its chairman Ra Eung-chan and several executives for violating financial transaction regulations, officials said Thursday. Observers say the level of penalty is likely to be a suspension of performing his duties.

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