In brief
In a recent BBC interview, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that he would agree to a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un focusing on freezing North Korea’s nuclear weapons production. Given North Korea’s ongoing production of an estimated 15-20 nuclear weapons annually, Lee considers this freeze a realistic alternative during negotiations. He emphasized the need for realistic goals in dealing with North Korea while expressing hope for resuming talks between Trump and Kim. Lee aims to pursue peaceful relations amidst escalating tensions in the region.
South Korea's president has said he would agree to a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un in which North Korea agreed to freeze production of its nuclear weapons, rather than get rid of them.
Lee Jae Myung told the BBC North Korea was producing an additional 15-20 nuclear weapons a year and that a freeze - as an interim emergency measure - would be a feasible, realistic alternative to denuclearisation for now.
North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed to never relinquish its weapons.
So long as we do not give up on the long-term goal of denuclearisation, I believe there are clear benefits to having North Korea stop its nuclear and missile development, Lee Jae Myung said.
President Lee, who entered office in June, wants to establish peaceful relations with North Korea and reduce tensions, which flared under his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for trying to impose martial law last year.
The South Korean leader has been vocal about wanting President Trump to resume nuclear talks with Kim, which broke down in 2019 during Trump's first term, after the US asked the North to dismantle its nuclear facilities.
Lee told the BBC that he thought it possible that Trump and Kim could come back together, given they seem to have a degree of mutual trust. This could benefit South Korea and contribute to global peace and security, he added.
Lee was even careful not to discard a future relationship with Russia, which has forged a military partnership with North Korea during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine - sending it food, oil, and vast sums of money in return for weapons and troops.
His caution is understandable, as the perils of relying too heavily on the US have never been more apparent. Lee mentioned that this tightening geopolitical environment positions South Korea in a precarious location next to China and Russia.
