Trump-Kim meeting faces hurdles

After exchanging harsh rhetoric and military threats with US President Donald Trump last year, Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un has abandoned his high pitch, moderated his tone, and launched several charm offensives this year, including his New Year's address, the DPRK's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, and proposed meetings between Kim and Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in in April and Trump in May.

One day after the announcement of the proposed meeting between Kim and Trump, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the meeting would depend on concrete actions taken by the DPRK. US-DPRK exchanges in the past have been subject to frequent hassles. Things could change faster than expected. And even if Kim and Trump were to meet in May, provided there are no setbacks, the meeting might not yield bold positive results.

The first question is whether Trump's team is ready for the proposed meeting.