President Lee tells Trump North Korea nuclear issue needs unique approach; Trump open to phased plan

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung revealed on June 19 that he communicated to U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting at the G7 summit that North Korea's nuclear issue requires a distinct approach, different from how other nations are handled. Lee emphasized this point during a press briefing at the Cheong Wa Dae press center following his European tour and G7 attendance.

President Lee stated that his conversation with President Trump about North Korea's nuclear program was the most extensive. He recalled Trump mentioning his own interest in the North Korean issue, referencing a photo Trump posted on Truth Social from the 2018 U.S.-North Korea summit. Lee reiterated his stance to Trump: "I clearly told him that the North Korean nuclear issue should not be approached in the same way as other countries." Trump reportedly agreed with this sentiment, appearing to be contemplating solutions.

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I clearly told him that the North Korean nuclear issue should not be approached in the same way as other countries.

Lee elaborated on the current situation, noting that North Korea possesses a significant number of nuclear weapons and can produce enough fissile material for 10 to 20 nuclear weapons annually. He argued that a purely principled approach would be ineffective under these circumstances. North Korea, he added, is advocating for the acknowledgment of its nuclear status rather than pursuing denuclearization.

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Trump also agreed with that point and seemed to be thinking that there is no easy solution, and that was his concern.

Proposing an alternative, Lee suggested a phased strategy. This would involve dividing denuclearization goals into short-term and long-term objectives. Initially, the focus would be on halting further development and production of nuclear materials, preventing their export, and ceasing the advancement of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology. Lee believes these steps alone would benefit the international community. He explained that while the ultimate goal of denuclearization should not be abandoned, it could be pursued incrementally: first by halting current activities, then moving towards reduction once stability is achieved, and finally, as trust builds and regime security is guaranteed, implementing both steps in parallel.

President Lee mentioned that Trump responded positively to this proposal, stating that it could be a viable method and that he would give it thorough consideration. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.

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It could be one method, and he said he would think about it thoroughly.