The Moon Jae-in government's plans on North Korea's nuclear program are shaking from the start due to excessive concerns of conflicts with the U.S. and due to opposition from the conservatives. Some question whether the government will be able to properly discuss its two-step approach, from freezing current developments to discussions on denuclearization, with the U.S.

In an interview with CBS, a U.S. broadcasting company on June 20, President Moon said that he had never mentioned scaling back the ROK-US joint military exercises during his election campaign. His words aimed to weaken the impact of the "Washington statement" made by his special adviser for unification, foreign affairs and security Moon Chung-in, a professor at Yonsei University.

However, the president's remarks were different from fact. In a debate hosted by the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club on April 27, President Moon said, "If we confirm that North Korea has frozen its nuclear program, we can take corresponding measures such as adjusting or scaling back the ROK-US joint military exercises."

The president's "change of words" seems to have in mind the attacks on Professor Moon's statement from the conservatives and the worsening views on North Korea in the U.S. due to the death of Otto Warmier. He seems to be working to reduce any chances of conflicts ahead of the summit meeting with the U.S. president. But this not only tarnishes his credibility as the president, it can also make it more difficult for the government to implement its measures on North Korea's nuclear program.

One Cheong Wa Dae official explained the president's statement saying, "He means we can consider reducing or adjusting the exercises after it is apparent that North Korea is determined to dismantle its nuclear program." According to this explanation, since the government's "two-step approach" makes it difficult for the government to engage in denuclearization and peace system negotiations with North Korea unless the North shows its willingness to abandon its nuclear program, the government plans to provide an incentive first, freeze the pressing issue of nuclear and missile tests, and put off denuclearization discussions to the second stage. But if we are to accept Cheong Wa Dae's explanation, then the two-step approach, from the start, is an idea that cannot be realized.

The government also gave an explanation claiming that the president's statement is different from the comments made by Professor Moon, because it sets a precondition, that North Korea's freezing of its nuclear and missile program has to be confirmed, but when it comes to disarmament, it is common sense to tie the freezing of any program with verification of such actions.

One source familiar with North Korea's nuclear program and South Korea-US relations said, "The South Korean government is being too sensitive to and defensive against the U.S." He further expressed his concerns saying, "If they are like this in the early days in office, this can distort their entire foreign policy, and they will end up letting the U.S. take the lead."