AFP, CHEORWON, South Korea
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Near the heavily fortified frontier dividing the Korean Peninsula, the abandoned Woljeong-ri Station is being recast as a symbol of South Korea’s hopes to reconcile with the North.However, plans to reconnect South Korea’s northernmost station to the rail network come at an awkward moment, as Pyongyang ignores Seoul’s overtures while the South’s old ally Washington pursues its own talks with Pyongyang.A turbulent few days have raised doubts about the role of South Korea in any diplomatic push, despite South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s dovish line on the North since taking power last year.
A locomotive behind a burnt-out train carriage is pictured on Monday last week at the Woljeong-ri Station in Cheorwon, South Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea.
US President Donald Trump abruptly scaled back annual military drills with Seoul this week, calling them “inappropriate and hostile” toward the North. He also berated South Korea for not helping in his war against Iran and said he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this year.
