Cheong Wa Dae hails NK leader's address

President Moon Jae-in / Yonhap

South Korea's presidential office welcomed the New Year's address by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying it reflects his wish for the development of inter-Korean ties and Pyongyang-Washington relations.

"Chairman Kim's firm commitment is expected to have a positive effect on resolving the Korean Peninsula issue smoothly in the new year," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said.

In the half-hour long televised speech, the North's leader expressed his willingness to meet again with U.S. President Donald Trump for denuclearization talks. (Yonhap)