In the end, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo attending the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games would be a significant win for Japan.

China and South Korea reached an agreement in November to restore normal economic relations. That no longer appears to be the case.

Although the North Korea Human Rights Act provisions expired in 2017, Congressional interest has continued and the Act should soon be renewed.

Last week, two minor South Korean political parties, the People’s Party and the Bareun Party, announced an agreement to merge into a new centrist party.

While few observers doubt the significance of the Olympics agreement, many disagree about what it will mean for the future of inter-Korean relations.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s agenda of public sector-led economic and social reform hinges on creating 810,000 government jobs.