At UN, South Korea Outlines Plan for Peaceful Coexistence with North Korea
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, pledging to work toward ending what he called a “vicious cycle of unnecessary military tensions” with North Korea. He emphasised the goal of achieving “peaceful coexistence and shared growth” on the Korean Peninsula.
In his first speech to the international body, Lee outlined a “phased solution” to the North Korean nuclear issue, noting that it should be “based on a cool-headed perception that denuclearisation cannot be achieved in the short term.”
The remarks came shortly after comments from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who dismissed the idea of a step-by-step approach. Kim argued that recent diplomatic efforts by Seoul and Washington were not genuine, saying their “fundamental intent to weaken Pyongyang remained unchanged.” He added that while he was not opposed to talks with the United States, they would require a shift in Washington’s stance on denuclearisation.
“There was no reason to avoid talks with the U.S. if Washington stopped insisting he give up his nuclear weapons,” Kim said, but made it clear he “would never abandon the nuclear arsenal to end U.S.-led sanctions.”
President Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to easing tensions and improving inter-Korean relations. He noted recent actions taken by Seoul, such as stopping the distribution of propaganda leaflets and halting loudspeaker broadcasts across the border.
“By gradually expanding inter-Korean exchanges in cooperation, we will pave the way for sustainable peace,” he said.
On the same day, Kim stated that he had no intention of engaging in dialogue with the South. However, he remarked that he had “fond memories” of U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he held several summits. Those talks ultimately fell apart over disagreements concerning denuclearisation.
Trump recently expressed interest in meeting Kim again, but in a 55-minute speech delivered at the UN on Tuesday, the current U.S. president did not mention North Korea.
