In brief
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has indicated that he would be willing to accept a deal between former President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aimed at freezing North Korea's nuclear weapons production. Lee described a potential freeze as a feasible 'interim emergency measure' rather than complete denuclearization. He emphasized the importance of establishing peaceful relations with North Korea, especially after years of escalating tensions under the previous administration. Lee hopes to see renewed talks between Trump and Kim to navigate toward a peaceful resolution on the peninsula.
South Korea's president has stated he would accept a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un under which North Korea would agree to freeze production of its nuclear weapons for now, rather than get rid of them. Lee Jae Myung told the BBC of North Korea was producing an additional 15-20 nuclear weapons a year and a freeze - as 'an interim emergency measure' - would be 'a feasible, realistic alternative'.North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed to never relinquish its weapons. Previous attempts to negotiate have failed and Pyongyang has since rejected all invitations to return to talks.'While it's clear the UN is falling short when it comes to creating a truly peaceful world, I still believe it is performing many important functions,' Lee said, adding that reforming the Security Council was 'not very realistic'.At home, Lee is presiding over a polarized country shaken by months of political turmoil after its previous president attempted a martial law takeover. Lee aims to repair relations with the North and facilitate dialogue to eventually achieve denuclearization.
