You are correct.
The point of the threats was to induce change in the status quo.
Trump played Kim’s game masterfully and the status quo was nudged off dead center.
However, “We’ll See”
Exactly right. In the past, North Korea would play this game where whenever they wanted more food or financial aid they would rattle their sabre, always aware that in the unlikely event that the U.S. pushed back they could dial back their behavior and be safe. By sending three carrier strike groups, bombers, etc. Trump took that option away, leaving them with nothing but the choice to cooperate or die.
It’s amazing how well that works, and even more amazing that so many dems and liberal republicans fail to understand this simple dynamic.