In a candid interview with the BBC, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed his openness to a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un that would freeze North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. This approach, described as an “interim emergency measure,” is seen as a realistic alternative given North Korea’s current production rate of 15-20 nuclear weapons annually.
President Lee highlighted the importance of setting achievable goals, stating, “The question is whether we persist with fruitless attempts towards the ultimate goal [of denuclearisation] or we set more realistic goals and achieve some of them.” He believes that as long as the long-term objective of denuclearisation remains, halting current nuclear and missile development offers significant benefits.
Lee, who took office in June, aims to foster peaceful relations and de-escalate tensions with North Korea, a departure from his predecessor’s more assertive stance. He sees potential for dialogue, noting the “degree of mutual trust” that may exist between Trump and Kim, which could contribute to global peace.
The President also touched upon the complex geopolitical landscape, acknowledging South Korea’s precarious position between major powers like China and Russia. While condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Lee indicated a pragmatic approach to international relations, seeking cooperation where possible and striving for peaceful coexistence.
Addressing recent incidents involving South Korean workers in the US, Lee expressed his profound responsibility and disappointment but also saw it as an opportunity to strengthen the US-South Korea relationship, invoking a Korean proverb: “after the rain, the ground hardens.”
Domestically, President Lee is navigating a polarized nation. He has initiated goodwill gestures towards North Korea, such as halting radio broadcasts that were known to antagonize the regime, aiming to rebuild trust and encourage dialogue.
Ultimately, Lee emphasizes a pragmatic approach to denuclearization, recognizing that North Korea’s nuclear capabilities cannot be easily negotiated away in the short term, and sees diplomacy, even with unpredictable leaders, as the most viable path forward.