*By Christian Smith* South Koreans responded with a mix of optimism and worry Tuesday after President Trump announced he would suspend joint military exercises with South Korea as Kim Jong-un considers how to dismantle North Korea's nuclear arsenal. President Moon Jae-In of South Korea [watched on TV and smiled](https://www.facebook.com/KoreaClickers/photos/rpp.181274814520/10156484091904521/?type=3&theater) as the American president and the North Korean leader met in Singapore. But Trump's unexpected announcement that he would stop joint military drills made some of America's allies in South Korea uneasy, according to Martyn Williams, editor at NorthKoreaTech.org. "The right wing in South Korea is already not very pleased with these military drills stopping taking place," Williams said in an interview with Cheddar. The president's statement, which appeared to be an off-the-cuff comment in a discussion with reporters after his meeting with Kim, was not part of the joint statement signed by the two leaders. The United States and South Korea conduct regular war games to prepare for the possibility of a conflict with North Korea, and there are about 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. Trump had said he hoped to strike a deal with Kim to eliminate North Korea's nuclear program, and touted the "very comprehensive" statement the leaders agreed to at the summit. But Williams said denuclearization will take more negotiations. "I think it was a good first step, but what comes next is the most important thing," Williams said. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-winners-and-losers-of-the-north-korea-summit).

Share:
More In Politics
Closing Bell: February 22, 2018
Paul Manafort and Robert Gates face 32 new charges in Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel gets a record-breaking payday. Teenagers across the country and politicians continues to weigh in on gun control in the wake of the mass shooting in Parkland, FL.
Why This Student-Driven Movement on Gun Reform is Different
In the wake of last week's mass shooting teenagers are becoming outspoken advocates for change. In these rallies driven by students the advocates demand a better future for their peers. Bustle's Senior Political Correspondent Erin Delmore explains what makes this movement different than others.
Parkland Students Push for Gun Reform
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Kyle Kashuv says he's changed his viewpoint on gun control after witnessing such a tragedy in his community. Cheddar's Hope King and Baker Machado speak with Kashuv one day after the 16-year-old student met with Florida legislators.
From Columbine to Parkland: A Journey of Gun Reform
Dave Cullen, Author of "Columbine" joins The Hive from Tallahassee, Florida where he's following the protests of Parkland students. He's been interviewing groups of students over the past few days and gives us a glimpse inside how they plan to keep the #NeverAgain movement alive.
A Message from Parkland to Congress
VF Hive hosts Kristen Scholer and Jon Kelly discuss the week's biggest news stories. From student protests to Jared Kushner's security clearance, it's been a non-stop week in Washington.
Opening Bell: February 22, 2018
Cheddar speaks with two Congresswomen about what, if anything, will move the needle on gun reform after the Parkland school shooting. In tech news, Apple is reportedly working on new AirPods. Twitter alienated conservatives by accidentally freezing their accounts. Plus, we're joined by Olympic luger Chris Mazdzer who recently became the first American to medal in the men's singles luge event.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) on the Future of Gun Reform
New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney discusses the future of gun reform in the U.S. following the Parkland school shooting. We talk about the students who marched on the Florida State Capitol and how they're changing the conversation around guns.
Load More