South Korea Embraces Trump-Kim Deal to Freeze North Korean Nuclear Program

Mon Sep 29 2025 03:29:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expresses willingness to accept an interim deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to freeze North Korea's nuclear weapon production, highlighting the need for realistic diplomatic solutions amidst ongoing tensions.

In a recent BBC interview, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated he would support a transitional agreement between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that would halt the production of nuclear weapons. He emphasized the impracticality of complete denuclearization at this stage and called for a pragmatic approach aimed at reducing hostilities. This stance reflects his administration's efforts to rebuild ties with Pyongyang, particularly following the turbulent political landscape created by his predecessor.

South Korea's president has said he would accept a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un under which North Korea would agree to freeze production of its nuclear weapons for now, rather than get rid of them.

Lee Jae Myung told the BBC that North Korea is producing an additional 15-20 nuclear weapons a year, and a freeze - seen as an interim emergency measure - would be a feasible, realistic alternative.

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed never to relinquish its weapons. Previous attempts to negotiate have failed, and Pyongyang has since rejected all invitations to return to talks.

Lee stated, So long as we do not give up on the long-term goal of denuclearisation, there are clear benefits to stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile development. He highlighted the need for a practical approach, suggesting it would be better to achieve smaller, realistic goals while striving for denuclearization in the long run.

President Lee, who entered office in June, aims to pursue peaceful relations with North Korea and reduce tensions exacerbated by his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol's administration, which faced significant controversies.

In the interview, Lee noted that he believes Trump could potentially resume talks with Kim, suggesting that a level of mutual trust might exist between the two leaders. This diplomatic shift may contribute to regional stability.

As tensions remain high due to North Korea's ongoing missile tests and nuclear ambitions, Lee's willingness to accept a freeze marks a significant change in strategy. He hopes that his administration can foster dialogue where previous efforts have failed.

Furthermore, Lee acknowledged the limitations and challenges presented by the United Nations Security Council, particularly in achieving meaningful sanctions against North Korea due to opposition from China and Russia.

Historically, South Korea has tried to navigate its relations between the US and China, but President Lee's administration seems keen on stepping away from the more confrontational policies of the past while promoting engagement with North Korea. Despite current tensions, Lee remains resolute in his approach to restore trust and seek potential paths to peace.