I think North Korea dictators have been seeking legitimacy for decades. Meeting with the US President certainly provides them that and a huge propaganda win at home......at least IMO. As noted in the OpEd posted by TomSea above:
“Unimaginable success†sure sounds like a win to me.
@Concerned NK is bankrupt, yes they've obtained some income from Iran, Kuwait and of course China but the sanctions are having a huge effect.
How? Less access to oil, gas, coal which directly impacts the ruling class. Fewer luxuries, which directly impacts the ruling class.
NK cannot afford to keep developing their rockets and nukes and while they have been helping our enemies I think there's a chance of stopping that connection. Threat of war will not change their minds but access to the kind of world South Korea has, that just might end the war end the human suffering.