Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung aims to act as a 'pacemaker' to revive North Korea-U.S. dialogue.
- Lee believes this dialogue can halt North Korea's nuclear capability buildup.
- South Korea is increasing defense spending and strengthening military capabilities.
- Lee is on a four-day trip to France, including a summit with President Emmanuel Macron.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has reaffirmed his commitment to playing a "pacemaker" role in promoting the resumption of dialogue between North Korea and the United States. In a written interview with French media outlet Le Monde, published Sunday, Lee stated that such dialogue could help halt the advance of Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities.
Lee expressed that the "wall of distrust" cannot be dismantled overnight, reiterating his administration's dedication to its "peaceful coexistence" policy toward North Korea, aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions and building peace. He also addressed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning South Korea, interpreting them not as an attack on the alliance's sustainability but as an intention to adapt the alliance to new demands.