South Korea Supports Trump-Kim Nuclear Freeze Deal, Says President Lee Jae Myung

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:32:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent interview, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed willingness to accept a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to freeze North Korea's nuclear weapons program, viewing it as a practical step amid ongoing tensions.

President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has voiced support for a potential agreement between former President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that would entail freezing North Korea's nuclear weapons production. Lee emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that North Korea is producing 15-20 nuclear weapons annually. He characterized a freeze as a feasible interim measure while still pursuing long-term denuclearization goals. Ties between North Korea, China, and Russia complicate the regional dynamics, prompting Lee to consider closer collaboration with the United States and Japan to navigate these challenges.

In a revealing interview with the BBC, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that he would endorse a deal between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un under which North Korea would halt its nuclear weapons development, describing it as a necessary first step in managing the ongoing nuclear crisis.

Lee reported that North Korea is currently producing 15-20 nuclear weapons each year, making a freeze a critical 'interim emergency measure.' He emphasized that such action could provide a realistic alternative, even as North Korea has affirmed its position as a nuclear power and rejected previous negotiations.

As long as we do not abandon our long-term aspirations for denuclearization, I believe stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements holds clear advantages, stated Lee. His comments came ahead of his attendance at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The political background is significant; President Lee aims to mend relationships with North Korea after his predecessor's tensions over military governance. He has notably ceased the controversial practice of broadcasting into North Korea, advocating instead for trust-building measures to facilitate dialogue.

Lee also expressed concerns regarding the growing collaboration between North Korea, China, and Russia, stating that such developments create a precarious situation for South Korea. He is committed to working closely with the U.S. and Japan in response to these shifts in global alliances.

The South Korean leader’s statements reflect a pragmatic approach to the northern threat, recognizing that while long-term goals of denuclearization remain the objective, immediate negotiations must be adapted to the current realities of international relations.