Seoul: In a significant address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged to break the “vicious cycle of unnecessary military tensions” with North Korea, outlining a vision for peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula. Speaking before world leaders, President Lee emphasized a pragmatic and phased approach to the North Korean nuclear issue, stressing that denuclearization cannot be expected in the short term and requires sustained, step-by-step diplomacy.
President Lee highlighted Seoul’s recent confidence-building measures, including halting propaganda leaflets and loudspeaker broadcasts to North Korea, and stressed that gradual expansion of inter-Korean exchanges could lay the groundwork for sustainable peace. “By consistently seeking paths to reduce military tensions and restore trust, we aim to build a foundation for lasting harmony,” Lee stated.
However, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rejected any phased denuclearization plan, accusing Washington and Seoul of insincere motives. Kim made it clear that Pyongyang would never relinquish its nuclear arsenal in exchange for sanctions relief, framing the weapons as essential for national security. While he ruled out dialogue with Seoul, Kim expressed a willingness to engage directly with the United States if Washington abandoned its demands for full denuclearization, recalling previous summits with former U.S. President Donald Trump in positive terms.
Experts suggest Kim’s stance is an effort to bypass South Korea and influence U.S. policy directly. Despite these challenges, President Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to dialogue, trust-building, and measured diplomacy, signaling that Seoul will continue to pursue avenues for peace even amid North Korea’s rigid position.
The contrasting positions of the two leaders underscore the persistent complexities of achieving stability on the Korean Peninsula. While South Korea advocates gradual, confidence-building measures, North Korea remains steadfast on its nuclear capabilities, leaving the international community watching closely as efforts to reduce tensions continue.