By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Andrew Nash from the U.S.

In late April, Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are scheduled to meet in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). A number of topics may be discussed during the summit, with people in Korea and all over the world praying that inter-Korean dialogue will be an important step on the path to peace.

As a U.S. citizen, I’m regularly exposed to media coverage of tensions across Korea and to a wide variety of opinions on the situation. That said, many can agree that a peaceful resolution is preferable. I’ll be closely watching developments in the weeks ahead, hoping for a successful outcome. For now, let’s take a look at the other times the leaders of the two countries have met.

The first Inter-Korean Summit was held from June 13 to 15, 2000. The meeting, which took place in Pyeongyang, brought together Korean President Kim Dae-jung and North Korean leader Kim Jung Il. It resulted in the signing of a "peace declaration" and made global headlines, standing out as one of the top stories of the year. Moreover, the summit was organized by Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2007, the second Inter-Korean Summit occurred from Oct. 2 to 4. Originally slated for August, the summit was postponed due to severe flooding. The meeting, also held in Pyeongyang, involved talks between Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jung Il. The two leaders exchanged gifts and signed a "peace agreement," strengthening the inter-Korean relationship.

The leaders of Korea and the North are now preparing to meet on April 27, 2018, in the Peace House on the southern side of the DMZ. No North Korean leader has stepped foot on South Korean soil since the Korean War (1950-1953), but that will change during this historic meeting. In dark times, I’m crossing my fingers that talks on the Korean Peninsula can provide the rest of the world a sense of hope for the future.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.