"Will Strive for Early North Korea-U.S. Dialogue... Restoration of September 19 Military Agreement"

On January 21, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "We will make every diplomatic effort to ensure that North Korea-U.S. dialogue can be achieved as early as possible." By volunteering to act as a "pacemaker," President Lee reaffirmed his administration's policy of prioritizing North Korea-U.S. dialogue in inter-Korean affairs.

On the 21st, citizens are watching the broadcast of President Lee Jae-myung's New Year's press conference in the Seoul Station concourse, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. 2026.01.21 Photo by Yoon Dongju

It has been reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit China around April. Some observers consistently predict that this could serve as an opportunity to seek contact between the leaders of North Korea and the United States. However, given the regional situation, including North Korea-China relations, there are also assessments that the likelihood of such a meeting actually taking place is not high.

In his opening remarks at the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House on this day, President Lee said, "We will steadily and gradually create the conditions necessary to resume inter-Korean dialogue." He added, "In order to prevent accidental clashes between the two Koreas and to build political and military trust, we will work to restore the September 19 Military Agreement." He continued, "Based on a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance, robust self-reliant defense, and pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, we will promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and continue to take meaningful steps toward a 'nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.'"

The restoration of the September 19 Military Agreement has been a consistent policy of the Lee Jae-myung administration since its inauguration. President Lee also expressed his commitment to this in last year's Liberation Day address. However, the scope and specific timing of the restoration are expected to be determined in consideration of future developments on the Korean Peninsula. In the current situation, with North Korea continuing its nuclear and missile provocations, the restoration may remain largely symbolic without improvements in inter-Korean relations, and there are concerns that it could raise security risks.

Regarding the ongoing lack of progress in inter-Korean relations, President Lee said, "The sharp chill will not melt away all at once, but we will consistently pursue feasible measures to elicit a response from the North and to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "We will continue to seek creative solutions that ensure peace benefits both Koreas."

President Lee emphasized, "Through 'stable growth underpinned by peace,' we will ensure that our economy can take another leap forward, and we will steadfastly move toward a future of peaceful coexistence and shared growth."

Commenting on his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Lee said, "He has achieved great results in the development of China's economy and society, and I believe he is an outstanding leader." He added, "He was more personable and humorous than generally perceived, and it was a very good summit meeting."