South Korea’s security chief voices hope for ‘meaningful dialogue’ between US, North Korea

South Korea's top security official has expressed optimism for "meaningful dialogue" between the United States and North Korea, emphasizing the "friendly relationship" between their leaders. Wi Sung-lac, the director of national security, stated that Seoul hopes to see tangible progress toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and anticipates the resumption of dialogue for this purpose.

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In doing so, we hope to see tangible progress toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We look forward to the resumption of dialogue for that purpose.

Wi highlighted that the South Korean administration is committed to making necessary diplomatic efforts as a "pacemaker" in North Korea-US dialogue, underpinned by close cooperation with the US. He recalled "lengthy talks" with US President Donald Trump at summit levels, particularly during Group of Seven and NATO meetings. These comments follow Trump's recent emphasis on his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his directive to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.

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keep making necessary diplomatic efforts as a pacemaker in North Korea-US dialogue based on our close cooperation with the US.

Responding to Trump's claim that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung declined a request to help "denuclearize" Iran, Wi clarified that Seoul is "reviewing options for practical military contributions." He stressed that these considerations are made while maintaining readiness on the Korean Peninsula and adhering to domestic legal procedures. Wi noted that while Iran's denuclearization was mentioned on social media, South Korea has a keen interest in international nonproliferation, especially given North Korea's past breaches of non-proliferation promises and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

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The government has continued to coordinate with the US on joint military exercises through our ironclad bilateral alliance while also reinforcing our own defense capabilities.

Wi affirmed that South Korea has continued to coordinate with the US on joint military exercises through their "ironclad bilateral alliance" while simultaneously reinforcing its own defense capabilities. He indicated that this cooperation will persist. Seoul has also been actively engaged in discussions with the US and the international community concerning the Iran war and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

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reviewing options for practical military contributions that we could put into action while keeping in mind our readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula and relevant domestic legal procedures.