Tensions have eased recently between the Pyongyang and Seoul following the agreed participation of North Korea in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics after a series of talks.
The South Korean official, who chose to remain anonymous, said: “Now is the best time, as the US opens its door for talks.
“The US could close the door shut anytime. It is important for the North to stop provocations and come out for talks.”
The official said South Korea did not oppose the US speaking to North Korea first, but pointed out that the South’s involvement in any talks “should be guaranteed” at some point.
“It’s hard to predict, but one thing is clear, that our participation should be guaranteed and be part (of the process), both in terms of content and methodology.”
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“We still do not oppose the US and the North having talks first,” the official said.
He said the US might now be ready to talk with the North, which would be in the stark contrast with the past.
“Though their rhetoric has been strong, Tillerson signalled talks could be possible if the North stops provocations for some time, and Trump has also joined in this,” he said.
Earlier this month Mr Trump said that some dialogue or direct conversation with Kim Jong-Un was not beyond the realm of possibility.
The US President said: “Sure, I always believe in talking.”
“Absolutely I would do that, I wouldn’t have a problem with that at all.”
Mr Trump has previously labeled the North Korean leader “rocket man” and has sent out numerous warnings to Kim Jong-un.
In January he tweeted: “North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un just stated that the ‘Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.’ Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!”
In October Mr Trump tweeted: “Being nice to Rocket Man hasn’t worked in 25 years, why would it work now? Clinton failed, Bush failed, and Obama failed. I won’t fail.”
The South Korean official said that it will be hard to get North Korea and the US into a “dialogue process” following the initial progress made between the two Korean countries over participation in the Winter Olympics.
There are also fears that Pyongyang’s participation in the Winter Olympics could undermine sanctions put in place by the UN Security Council on North Korea.
Addressing the concerns the South Korea official said: “Even if there is an inevitable need for us to provide support, we will decide in a transparent manner through consultations with relevant countries and the International Olympic Committee and the sanctions committee of the U.N. Security Council.”