Why Did North Korea “Cave” On Talks With South? -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat
North and South Korea will hold working level talks on Sunday with the aim of preparing the way for ministerial level talks at a later date.
The talks were prompted by a surprise proposal from Pyongyang on Thursday calling for working level talks on July 15th between the two governments to begin the process of trying to restart operations at Kaesong Industrial Complex and resume South Korean tours of the Mt. Kumgang resort, both of which are joint development projects initiated during South Korea’s sunshine policy era.
Previously, North Korea had proposed holding a dialogue with private civilians from the South, which Seoul rejected insisting that governmental working-level talks be held instead.
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My Comment: North Korea is reacting to the growing rapprochement between China and South Korea. I have always contended that it was in South Korea's interest to develop a close diplomatic and economic relationship with China .... by doing so it would replace North Korea's position and importance in Chinese foreign policy. The North Koreans know this .... hence the response. As to the talks .... I expect nothing to come out of it .... for now.