South Korea shifts to 'peace first' policy on North Korea, retains denuclearisation goal

South Korea is adopting a "peace first" approach to North Korea, moving away from its previous "denuclearisation first" policy, according to Unification Minister Chung Dong-young. The ultimate goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula remains, but the strategy now prioritizes an initial freeze of North Korea's nuclear program.

Chung explained that demanding denuclearisation upfront had stalled dialogue, which has been suspended for seven years. The new strategy aims to achieve a nuclear-free peninsula by first halting Pyongyang's nuclear activities. He noted that North Korea continues to operate uranium-enrichment facilities and a plutonium-producing reactor, increasing its nuclear warhead capacity.

“

The ultimate goal of denuclearisation has not been abandoned, but denuclearisation first has.

The minister highlighted that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's late 2023 declaration of the two Koreas as separate hostile states marks a significant shift. Chung has proposed referring to North Korea as "Choson" and pursuing a "peaceful two-state" relationship as a transitional phase toward eventual unification. Experts are discussing this proposal, with broader public debate expected later.

Despite efforts by President Lee Jae Myung to ease tensions, including suspending loudspeaker broadcasts and curbing propaganda leaflets, North Korea has remained hostile. Pyongyang has rejected Seoul's proposals and accused Lee of maintaining a confrontational policy through close ties with the United States. Chung believes renewed talks are still strategically desired by both North Korea and the U.S., and sees potential opportunities in upcoming meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“

If denuclearisation first is placed at the entrance to dialogue, the reality is that dialogue cannot begin.