*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
Opening Bell: February 15, 2018
Billionaire investor Peter Thiel is leaving Silicon Valley and maybe even the board of Facebook. Amazon officially surpassed Microsoft in market valuation. Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL) joins us from Capitol Hill to share his thoughts on the deadly high school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Plus, we speak to the CEO of Celebrity Cruises and others for our Business of Travel show.
Will Congress Take Action on Guns?
Kelly Macias, staff writer for Daily Kos, explains why she believes congress won't do anything about guns after the latest mass shooting in Florida. Macias also shares her thoughts on the resignation of a special assistant to President Trump after past marijuana use.
Between Bells: February 14, 2018
What did John Kelly know and when did he know it? Plus, the Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder sparking controversy. A preview of the Daytona 500, and Happy Valentine's Day! With FanSided, The Root, Moët & Chandon, and Zimbio.
What Living in a Conflict Zone Does to Children
Save the Children CEO Carolyn Miles says that the number of children in these dangerous areas has spiked 75 percent since the early '90s. She adds that some feel as if they have no future.
Closing Bell: February 14, 2018
Police in Florida respond to a deadly high school shooting in Parkland. Congressman Joe Kennedy talks about bringing the Democratic message to millennial voters, and President Trump's Infrastructure plan.
White House Scrambles After FBI Director's Testimony Contradicts Administration's Previous Statements
Time appears to be running out for John Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is under fire after reports came out saying that he hired former Staff Secretary Rob Porter, knowing he had a history of domestic abuse. The White House denied that it knew about Porter's background, until now. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill saying that the FBI had closed its file on Porter, and given a report to the White House when Porter was trying to get security clearance.
Load More