North Korea’s kim Jong-un Signals Openness to Nuclear Talks, Recalls ”Fond Memories” of Trump Meetings
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has indicated a willingness to restart nuclear negotiations with the United states, expressing “fond memories” of his previous summits with former President Donald Trump, according to recent statements. The advancement comes as South korean President Lee Jae-myung advocates for a shift in strategy, proposing a freeze on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as a more achievable interim goal than complete denuclearization.
Lee, elected in June following the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol, told the BBC that a freeze would be “a feasible, realistic alternative,” noting North Korea is estimated to be producing between 15 to 20 nuclear weapons annually. He argued that pursuing unrealistic goals has proven fruitless, and that halting development-even temporarily-would be a positive step. “So long as we do not give up on the long-term goal of denuclearisation, I believe there are clear benefits to having North Korea stop its nuclear and missile development,” Lee stated.
Kim Jong-un himself has consistently maintained that North Korea’s nuclear program is essential for its survival, citing perceived threats from the US and South Korea. “The world already knows full well what the United States does after it makes a country give up its nuclear weapons and disarms. We will never give up our nuclear weapons,” he declared,referencing the potential for regime destabilization.
Despite this firm stance,Kim’s recent comments suggest a potential opening for dialog. Previous attempts at denuclearization have stalled,with decades of UN-led sanctions failing to curb North Korea’s weapons development. Lee has acknowledged this failure, stating, “The reality is that the previous approach of sanctions and pressure has not solved the problem; it has worsened it.”
The shift in South korean policy under Lee represents a departure from the hard-line approach of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who favored increased pressure on Pyongyang. lee has instead prioritized the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue and a more incremental approach to denuclearization, seeking to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula.
