President Lee Proposes Phased Denuclearization for North Korea; Trump Considers It a Method

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has proposed a phased strategy for North Korea's denuclearization, suggesting it is a more realistic approach given the current circumstances. During a meeting at the G7 summit, Lee conveyed this idea to U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that such a method could be viable and would be thoroughly considered.

The two leaders engaged in in-depth discussions regarding solutions for the North Korean nuclear issue and the potential resumption of U.S.-North Korea dialogue. This conversation occurred as North Korea increasingly demands recognition as a nuclear-armed state. President Lee briefed reporters on his European tour and G7 attendance, specifically detailing his conversation with Trump on June 17.

Lee stated he expressed support for Trump's efforts in Middle East peace and resolving the Iran nuclear issue, while also urging continued U.S. engagement for denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders agreed on the significance of Korean Peninsula peace for Northeast Asia and global stability, committing to close communication and joint efforts.

Lee elaborated that Trump expressed regret over missed opportunities for action before North Korea's nuclear capabilities became a reality. Lee agreed with this sentiment but stressed that the North Korean nuclear issue should not be approached in the same manner as other nations' nuclear programs. He noted that North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile development since the 2019 Hanoi summit ended without agreement, a point Trump's remarks seemed to acknowledge.

Lee reiterated his "three-stage denuclearization theory" (freeze-reduction-complete denuclearization), first proposed last year. He explained that North Korea insists on being recognized as a nuclear state before dialogue, while the international community cannot abandon denuclearization, creating a deadlock. "Therefore, we must not abandon denuclearization, but proceed in stages. Isn't a phased approach realistic?" Lee asked Trump, who responded that it could be one method and would be deeply considered. Lee believes that given North Korea's de facto nuclear status claim, past approaches alone are insufficient.

Lee also emphasized that while South Korea must resolve its own issues, it is currently difficult for the nation to lead peace efforts alone due to past actions that have damaged relations and blocked communication. He noted that North Korea likely views the U.S. as key to its regime security and that South Korea is not a signatory to the armistice agreement. Therefore, he suggested U.S.-led dialogue, with South Korea working to create favorable conditions. Trump showed interest in resuming U.S.-North Korea talks but seemed uncertain about concrete methods. Lee pointed out that sanctions and pressure have lost effectiveness, particularly with increased North Korea-Russia military cooperation due to the Ukraine war. Trump questioned the extent of Russian aid, but Lee explained that even small economic aid from Russia significantly benefits North Korea, whose economy saw record growth last year. Lee concluded by stating that preventing further nuclear proliferation is in U.S. interest and that current sanctions are largely ineffective, a point Trump seemed to agree with. Lee also mentioned that some U.S. military experts advocate for concrete, reality-based solutions.