South Korea’s President Backs Nuclear Freeze Deal Between Trump and Kim
Seoul — South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has said he would support a potential deal between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in which Pyongyang freezes its nuclear weapons production, rather than dismantling it entirely.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Lee described the idea of a freeze as a “feasible, realistic alternative” to complete denuclearisation — at least for now.
A “Practical First Step” Toward Peace
Lee explained that North Korea is currently producing an estimated 15–20 nuclear weapons every year. While the country declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed never to abandon its arsenal, Lee argued that halting further development would still mark an important step forward.
“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 said.
He added that the international community faces a choice: keep pursuing an “unrealistic” full denuclearisation goal that yields little progress, or set achievable interim measures that can build trust and reduce tensions.
Reviving Trump–Kim Talks
Lee, who took office in June, has been outspoken about his desire to improve relations with North Korea after years of escalating tensions. He believes a renewed dialogue between Trump and Kim could benefit both Koreas and strengthen global security.
The last round of U.S.–North Korea nuclear talks collapsed in 2019 after Washington demanded Pyongyang dismantle its nuclear facilities. But Kim has recently suggested he may return to negotiations with Trump if the U.S. drops its denuclearisation demands.
Lee said Trump and Kim “seem to have a degree of mutual trust,” raising hopes that their personal rapport could reopen the door to diplomacy.
South Korea on the World Stage
The BBC interview took place in Seoul ahead of Lee’s trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. South Korea currently holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, though Lee acknowledged the council has been ineffective on North Korea due to repeated vetoes from China and Russia.
“While the UN is falling short of creating a truly peaceful world, it still performs many important functions,” Lee said. However, he admitted reforming the Security Council is “not very realistic.”
Balancing Between the U.S. and China
Lee also addressed growing ties between North Korea, China, and Russia — a partnership highlighted earlier this month when Kim stood alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing.
“Seeing China, Russia, and North Korea become so close is clearly not desirable for us,” Lee admitted. He said South Korea would respond by strengthening cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while still trying to avoid unnecessary confrontations with Beijing.
Historically, South Korea has walked a tightrope between its security alliance with Washington and its deep trade ties with China. Lee acknowledged this balancing act is becoming harder as the world divides into competing blocs.
“The world is dividing into two camps, and South Korea is positioned right on the border,” he said. “This situation is increasingly difficult. But these camps cannot completely shut their doors, so we can position ourselves somewhere in the middle.”
Careful on Russia, Firm on Ukraine
Lee was cautious when discussing Moscow, which has been accused of deepening its military partnership with Pyongyang in exchange for weapons, troops, and supplies during the Ukraine war.
“It is clear that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should be condemned, and that the war must end as soon as possible,” Lee said. “But relations between countries are not straightforward. We must still find ways to cooperate and strive for peaceful coexistence.”
A Centrist Turn in South Korea’s Leadership
Once known as a hardline opposition figure, Lee now presents himself as a centrist leader navigating a precarious global order. His approach reflects South Korea’s unique position — geographically close to China and Russia, but militarily tied to the United States.
As he heads to the UN, Lee’s message is clear: full denuclearisation of North Korea remains the ultimate goal, but freezing its nuclear program may be the only realistic step forward for now.