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South Korean President Moon Jae-in enters the Blue House’s inauguration ceremony for the newly appointed US Ambassador to South Korea

South Korean President Moon Jae-in confirmed on July 25 that North Korea has begun work to dismantle its West Sea satellite launch facilities in the village of Tongchang in Cholson County, North Pyongan Province.

President Moon described the move as a “good sign for North Korea’s denuclearization.”

President Moon’s remarks were made as he was being given a letter of credence from US President Donald Trump by newly appointed US ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris at the Blue House main building that day, Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-kyum reported.

“South Korean and US intelligence authorities have determined that after previously dismantling its nuclear test site, North Korea is now dismantling its rocket engine test stand and missile launch site,” President Moon was also quoted as saying.

The day before, the US-based North Korea analysis site 38 North published satellite images it claimed showed North Korea dismantling the West Sea launch site at Tongchang Village, where its rocket engine test stand was located.

President Moon went on to say, “I anticipate North Korea-US dialogue will gain momentum once the repatriation of US POW/MIA remains takes places as promised [on July 27].” In response, Harris was quoted as saying the US was “looking forward to dismantlement of the missile engine test site and repatriation of US POW and MIA remains.”

“These measures will be important indicators of [North Korean leader] Kim Jong-un’s sincerity,” he was also reported as saying.

President Moon went on to stress to Harris that the “solidity of the South Korea-US alliance is more important than ever before in achieving our shared goals on the Korean Peninsula at this tremendously important moment when dialogue is taking place between South and North Korea and between North Korea and the US.”

“As someone with special ties to South Korea, I look forward to you playing a major role,” he was also quoted as telling Harris.

President Moon also noted he had “heard you [Harris] like Andong soju [a traditional Korean distilled alcohol],” suggesting that the two should “have a drink sometime,” to which a smiling Harris replied, “I don’t think Andong soju will be enough to talk about all the things going on right now between South Korea and the US,” Kim said.

By Seong Yeong-cheol, staff reporter

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