Biden Recognizes 'Bukhaek' Threat... Will the ROK-US Summit Be Held Sooner?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Biden administration has referred to North Korea's nuclear weapons as a 'serious threat' and mentioned a 'new strategy' based on consultations with allies for the first time. As the government aims to expedite the South Korea-U.S. summit, attention is focused on whether the two countries will seek solutions to the North Korean nuclear issue through an early summit.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated on the 23rd that Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, and Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, held their first phone consultation, which also served as an introductory meeting, and agreed on the importance of initiating communication between the two heads of state as soon as possible. Kang explained, "Both sides shared recent assessments of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed to jointly consult and work toward achieving the goals of denuclearization and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula. Going forward, they will maintain close and frequent communication at all levels, including the National Security Council (NSC)."

This aligns with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' work report, which stated the goal of early exchanges with the Biden administration. A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We expect rapid high-level exchanges as soon as the U.S. congressional appointments are completed," adding that the process will proceed first with exchanges between foreign ministers and other high-level officials, followed by a summit. President Moon also expressed his intention for an early South Korea-U.S. summit in his congratulatory message on President Biden's inauguration, saying, "I hope to meet directly in the near future to strengthen friendship and trust and have candid discussions on shared interests."

The Biden administration also recognizes North Korea's nuclear weapons as a serious threat and has stated its intention to consult with allies. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said during a press briefing on the 22nd (local time), "The president's view is that North Korea's nuclear ballistic missiles and other proliferation-related activities pose a serious threat to global peace and security," and added, "We will adopt a new strategy to keep Americans and our allies safe." Regarding this, she also stated plans to review policies on the current situation in North Korea through consultations with South Korea, Japan, and other allies.

Accordingly, there is growing interest in whether an early summit will be held between South Korea and the U.S. as an opportunity to discuss the shared concern of the North Korean nuclear issue. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said, "The Biden administration will take time for review but will prioritize and examine the North Korean nuclear issue. The most desirable way to do this is to listen to South Korea's position and analysis, so there is a high possibility that the South Korea-U.S. summit currently being pursued by our government will be realized early."