Korean Summit: What it means

The substance: After two earlier summits with soaring but empty rhetoric, the Korean leaders finally produced some substance on their third try. North Korea promised to dismantle some of its nuclear facilities, though in one case only if the US takes unspecified reciprocal measures. The two Koreas agreed to several steps to reduce tensions and the risk of accidental clashes along the heavily fortified border that divides them, and to make a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympics. The better-than-expected outcome kick-started stalled negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang, boosting President Donald Trump’s high-stakes push to get the North to give up its nuclear weapons.

The pomp: Throughout the trip, Moon could be seen smiling broadly as he and Kim enjoyed the ecstatic reception of a Pyongyang that seemed to have been painted, polished and framed. On the final day, Kim escorted Moon to Mount Paektu. Moon also visited the mammoth stadium where he watched a performance of North Korea’s unique mass games, provided glimpses into the country and how it sees itself.

The meaning: For Moon, the summit represented unfinished business. He is looking to bolster the legacy of his late friend and political mentor, former President Roh Moo-hyun to build trust with the North, which crumbled as it began building its nuclear arsenal.