It is significant that the countries have agreed on a broad set of principles. But they postponed addressing the hot-potato issues to prevent the talks from collapsing.

North Korea has exhausted most of its diplomatic cards available. A remaining card is not returning to the negotiating table ... A nuclear test is unlikely as it would provoke China and other neighboring countries too much.

I think Lee's post won't have an impact on changing the tone of inter-Korean relations, but I expect there will be more practical actions towards South-North relations.

But North Korea's betting with its strongest hand failed to spur its negotiations with North Korea, but instead worsened the crisis situation on the Korean peninsula.

It (his visit) means something, but any issue should and will be resolved through both side's governmental channels. But his visit will certainly assist in solving recent pending issues like North Korea's nuclear issue and create a good atmosphere for the next inter-Korean summit later this year.

This year was definitely a turning point for the nuclear talks, but things do not appear easy for the members to progress to the next step.