"Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula Remains the Unchanged Goal"
Three-Step Approach of 'Halt-Reduction-Denuclearization'
"Restoring the Negotiation Process Is the Most Urgent Task in Relations with North Korea"
"President Trump Is Also Interested in North Korea... Aiming for Substantial Progress"
National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak stated that it is unlikely that North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be held in Gyeongju in October. However, he expressed expectations for President Trump's visit to South Korea.
On the 17th, at a meeting with Korean newspaper and broadcast editors held at the Korea Press Center, Advisor Wi was asked whether there was a possibility of a meeting between President Trump and Chairman Kim on the occasion of APEC. He responded, "I would not say that the possibility of a meeting is high." He added, "Although nothing has been confirmed regarding President Trump, we are expecting his visit to South Korea."
He also reaffirmed that the ultimate goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains unchanged. Advisor Wi stated, "Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has always been the ultimate goal for both South Korea and the United States," and emphasized, "Whether North Korea likes it or not, that goal remains unchanged." He further explained, "To move toward this goal, it is important to halt North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. We must first stop them, then reduce them, and finally dismantle them." This reiterates President Lee Jaemyung's previously mentioned three-step approach of 'halt-reduction-denuclearization.'
He pointed out that the most urgent issue in relations with North Korea is the restoration of the negotiation process. Advisor Wi said, "Even if we create a roadmap, it is only schematic and not very useful in reality," and made this remark. He continued, "Given the current movements among North Korea, China, and Russia, as well as the surrounding situation, it is difficult to see a strong reason for North Korea to engage in dialogue in the short term," emphasizing that "improving relations with China and Russia beyond the current level is our task."
He also stated the intention to resume dialogue with North Korea. Advisor Wi explained, "Although North Korea is not responding immediately, it is important to prioritize resuming dialogue," and added, "Our government has implemented several tension-reducing measures as long as our security and deterrence are not compromised." This is interpreted as referring to the suspension and removal of loudspeakers directed at North Korea.
He further stated, "President Trump is also interested in North Korea," and explained, "At the South Korea-U.S. summit, President Lee asked President Trump to play the role of 'peacemaker,' while he himself would serve as the 'pace maker.' Through this, we aim to make substantial progress toward denuclearization." He emphasized that attitudes toward North Korea may shift depending on the ideological orientation of the administration, and that internal consensus is important, as it is difficult to gain momentum otherwise.
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