Lee sees Trump style helping Peninsula talks

Jan 22, 2026, 07:56 am

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks at a New Year press conference held at the State Guest House of Cheong Wa Dae on Jan. 21. / Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung said Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s “unique” approach could be a major asset in resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking at a New Year press conference at Cheong Wa Dae’s State Guest House, Lee emphasized that the United States plays a crucial role in improving inter-Korean relations and addressing peninsula-wide challenges.

“President Trump’s style seems helpful for dialogue with Chairman Kim Jong Un,” Lee said. “We will act as a ‘pacemaker.’ If the U.S., as a ‘peacemaker,’ succeeds in building peace, it will benefit the Korean Peninsula, and we will continue to create conditions for that.”

On North Korea’s nuclear program, Lee underscored a realistic approach. He noted that Pyongyang is pursuing nuclear armament to preserve its regime, arguing that denuclearization efforts should be framed with a long-term perspective grounded in reality.

“North Korea continues to produce nuclear material sufficient to make about 10 to 20 nuclear weapons a year, and its ICBM technology keeps improving,” Lee said. “Denuclearization is ideal, but will North Korea give up its nuclear weapons? That is the reality we face.”

He added, “We should acknowledge reality without abandoning the ideal. It is still beneficial to halt further production of nuclear material, prevent overseas transfers, and stop additional ICBM development. We need realistic freeze talks, followed by arms reduction, and ultimately denuclearization over the long term.”

Regarding inter-Korean relations, Lee said, “We would be fortunate just to avoid war, let alone unification. We will do everything possible to move toward peaceful coexistence.” He cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remark that “three feet of ice does not melt in a single day,” saying it aptly applies to the deeply entrenched mistrust and hostility between the two Koreas.

#Lee Jae-myung #Donald Trump #Korean Peninsula #North Korea #denuclearization