Reagan said the same thing, while he bargained arms for hostages.
They always say that, and they always bargain. This time it's being done through the guy's employer, and probably through the Saudis.
Reagan was adamant, looked fierce and stern, and lectured. He would NOT bargain with hostage-takers. And he furiously tried to buy their way out.
By the way, read your history of the Korean peninsula. North Korea has as much legitimacy as a nation as South Korea.
Arf