内容摘要：By Yi Whan-wooFor many South Korean conservatives, talks over a declaration of an end to the 1950-53

By Yi Whan-woo

For many South Korean conservatives, talks over a declaration of an end to the 1950-53 Korean War has raised concerns over the possible pullout of U.S. troops stationed here as repeatedly demanded by North Korea, and the weakening of the bilateral alliance.

So it was surprising that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un downplayed such concerns when President Moon Jae-in's special envoys made a one-day visit to Pyongyang, Wednesday, to discuss a summit this month.

"Chairman Kim said the withdrawal of the American military and the weakening of the Seoul-Washington alliance will have nothing to do with a declaration ending the Korean War," National Security Office (NSO) chief Chung Eu-yong said during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. "This was what he thought of the nature of the declaration when we asked him."

Chung, who led the five-member delegation to the North, also said Kim was fully aware of the security concerns raised by groups of American and South Koreans over talks to end the war.

North Korea has for decades been calling for the withdrawal of American soldiers, claiming their presence hampered the creation of peace on the peninsula.

But the rhetoric was long perceived by conservatives as a tactic to provoke another war and invade the South.

According to Chung, Kim is committed to denuclearization as he agreed to during his summits with President Moon Jae-in, April 27, and with U.S. President Donald Trump, June 12.

"Our government, in line with an agreement reached between the two leaders on April 27, deems the declaration of the end of the war as the first step to build trust among the related countries. And Kim sympathized with us during our Pyongyang trip," Chung said.

Chung's briefing challenged suspicions that North Korea will not give up nuclear weapons even after the war is declared over, and will continue to pose a threat to regional security.

"Chairman Kim spoke about the international community being harsh on Pyongyang's denuclearization efforts, which he said were concrete and meaningful." Chung said.

He referred to North Korea's destruction of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in May, and U.S. satellite imagery in July showing the dismantlement of its Tonchang-ri missile test site.

"Kim stressed the North is taking preemptive measures for denuclearization and expressed hope that such good will gestures would be accepted in good faith," the NSO chief added.

Kim especially fixed the term for nuclear disarmament, saying "I hope to achieve denuclearization within the first term of President Trump, to end the history of North Korea-U.S. hostility and to improve bilateral relations."

Trump's presidential term ends in January 2021.

Kim also said he has "unwavering faith" in Trump. In response, the U.S. president tweeted, Thursday, "Thank you Chairman Kim. We will get it done together!"

Meanwhile, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said Friday the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. are "on the same track" on the need to speed up the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of peace.

"With North Korea's message delivered to the U.S, we now expect President Trump and other relevant decision makers to deal with the matter earnestly and take measures accordingly."

He added Moon will send NSO chief Chung to China, Saturday, and National Intelligence Service Director Suh Hoon to Japan, Monday, to brief their respective leaders on the Pyongyang visit.

Suh jointly led the South Korean delegation to North Korea this week.