Build trust to resolve DPRK nuke issue

Even the potential threat of a military conflict has not deterred the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from pursuing its nuclear program, as it is under the false impression that nuclear weapons can ensure its security instead of realizing they will further isolate it from the international community.

However, on April 13, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un announced the completion of a different program: the Ryomyong Street project in Pyongyang. By doing so, he sent a message to the outside world that apart from pursuing "nuclear hard power", it is also pursuing "nuclear soft power" and "economic development". Ryomyong Street is said to have nearly 5,000 apartments, which DPRK officials said, would be allotted for free to educators, scientists, and government officials. The distribution of the apartments shows that the DPRK attaches great importance to its professionals.

Described as "an iconic modern street architecture and a fairyland" with 70-story, 235-meter-tall residential buildings, and shops on both sides of the street lined with LCD TV sets and tablets, Ryomyong Street is seen as a symbol of the DPRK's modernization and an important achievement for the Kim Jong-un government. Also, it is expected to make Kim remain committed to developing economy and improving people's livelihoods.