The resumption of communication through hotlines between the two Koreas is an encouraging sign, experts told NK News on Tuesday, but some cautioned against overestimating the significance following a long diplomatic dry spell between the South and North.

“What’s most important here is that there is some room for improvement in inter-Korean relations,” said Lee Woo-young, professor at the University of North Korean studies. “They are now restoring what’s been cut for many reasons, so this also creates space to carry out other items agreed upon at [the inter-Korean summit].”