In a significant diplomatic overture, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung indicated he would support a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un that would freeze North Korea's nuclear weapons program instead of demanding complete denuclearization. In an interview with the BBC, President Lee described the situation as urgent, with North Korea producing an estimated 15-20 new nuclear weapons each year.
He proposed that a freeze could serve as an interim emergency measure and deemed it a feasible, realistic alternative for the time being. As North Korea solidified its nuclear status in 2022 and vowed not to relinquish its arsenal, President Lee expressed that achieving a freeze could benefit both global and regional peace.
President Lee's approach marks a departure from his predecessor, who advocated for more aggressive measures. He has publicly encouraged Trump to resume talks with Kim, highlighting their prior discussions that established some degree of mutual trust.
Lee further explained, long-term denuclearization remains our goal, but setting practical and realistic targets would enable us to achieve progress and halt North Korea's nuclear and missile developments. He intends to navigate South Korea towards a peaceful resolution with the North while dealing with the complexities of international relations, particularly concerning the growing ties between North Korea, Russia, and China.
As a leader striving for stability in a politically polarized South Korea, Lee's government aims to restore relations with the North after a tumultuous political period marked by tensions under the previous administration. Despite calls for cooperation, North Korea has rebuffed previous overtures, characterizing Lee's proposals as unrealistic. Nevertheless, he is determined to pursue a path that accommodates the realities of both regional security and international diplomacy.
