In a recent interview with the BBC, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed his willingness to support an interim agreement between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which would involve freezing North Korea’s nuclear weapons production rather than pursuing full denuclearization. President Lee described this approach as a “feasible, realistic alternative” to the long-term goal of denuclearization, emphasizing the need for pragmatic solutions in the face of North Korea’s ongoing nuclear advancements. North Korea, which declared itself a nuclear power in 2022, has consistently vowed to retain its nuclear arsenal, making immediate denuclearization an unlikely prospect. Lee argued that halting North Korea’s nuclear and missile development would offer significant benefits while maintaining the ultimate goal of denuclearization. President Lee, who assumed office in June, has prioritized reducing tensions with North Korea, a stark contrast to his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, whose aggressive policies led to heightened regional instability. Lee has also called for the resumption of nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea, which stalled in 2019 after the U.S. demanded the dismantling of North Korea’s nuclear facilities. He expressed optimism about the potential for renewed dialogue, citing a degree of mutual trust between Trump and Kim. However, Lee acknowledged the challenges posed by the growing alliance between North Korea, China, and Russia, which he described as a “very difficult situation” for South Korea. Despite these complexities, Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining balanced relationships with both the U.S. and China, while cautiously navigating South Korea’s position in a rapidly shifting global order. Domestically, Lee faces a polarized nation still recovering from the political turmoil of his predecessor’s failed martial law attempt. He has taken steps to rebuild trust with North Korea, including halting radio broadcasts into the North, a move criticized by human rights groups. While North Korea has dismissed Lee’s overtures as “delusional,” the South Korean president remains committed to pursuing a pragmatic path toward peace on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea would accept a Trump-Kim deal to freeze nuclear programme, president tells BBC
