South Korea’s President Embraces Trump-Kim Deal as Step Toward Nuclear Freeze

Tue Sep 30 2025 02:24:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent BBC interview, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed support for a potential Trump-Kim agreement aimed at freezing North Korea's nuclear program. This pragmatic approach signals a shift towards managing the ongoing threat rather than pursuing unattainable denuclearization.

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung stated his willingness to accept a Trump-Kim deal to freeze North Korea's nuclear weapons program, describing it as a feasible interim solution. With North Korea producing new nuclear weapons annually, Lee emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals while working towards long-term denuclearization. As tensions rise due to North Korea's advancements and evolving international relations, Lee's approach seeks to establish peaceful communication and stability in the region.

In a groundbreaking interview with BBC, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has indicated that he would support a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to freeze North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. While emphasizing that the ultimate goal remains denuclearization, Lee suggested freezing production as a pragmatic, interim measure given North Korea's current production of 15-20 nuclear weapons annually.

Since declaring itself a nuclear power in 2022, North Korea has vowed never to relinquish its arsenal. Previous negotiations between the US and North Korea have failed, with Pyongyang consistently rejecting calls to return to talks. President Lee's candid stance reflects an understanding that some form of agreement is necessary to reduce the immediate nuclear threat.

So long as we do not give up on the long-term goal of denuclearization, I believe there are clear benefits to having North Korea stop its nuclear and missile development, Lee stated, advocating for setting more realistic goals in negotiations.

Lee, who took office in June, aims to mend relationships with North Korea amid heightened tensions during the previous administration. His predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, faced severe backlash for attempting a military coup and adopting a hardline stance against Pyongyang. In contrast, President Lee is pushing for open dialogue — even suspending hostile broadcasts into North Korea that had stirred backlash.

Addressing the complexities of international relations, Lee remarked on the growing ties among China, Russia, and North Korea, which place South Korea in a precarious position strategically. He expressed hopes for President Trump to renew talks with Kim, leveraging the existing rapport between the two leaders as a pathway to achieving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

As South Korea holds the presidency of the UN Security Council, Lee refrained from criticizing the council directly, despite acknowledging its limitations in effectively addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Lee's diplomatic balancing act underscores his determination to navigate South Korea through these turbulent geopolitical waters while laying the groundwork for potential future cooperation with both Eastern and Western powers.