Speaking at a New Year press conference on Wednesday, Lee highlighted that North Korea, which conducted its first atomic test in 2006 in defiance of UN resolutions, is now believed to possess dozens of nuclear warheads
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that North Korea’s nuclear ambitions could pose a global threat, stating that Pyongyang produces enough nuclear material each year for 10 to 20 weapons.
Speaking at a New Year press conference on Wednesday, Lee highlighted that North Korea, which conducted its first atomic test in 2006 in defiance of UN resolutions, is now believed to possess dozens of nuclear warheads.
“Even now, nuclear materials sufficient to produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons a year are still being produced,” Lee said, adding that North Korea is simultaneously advancing its long-range ballistic missile technology capable of targeting the US mainland.
Lee warned that once North Korea has built the nuclear arsenal it deems necessary to secure the regime, it could expand beyond its borders, creating a “global danger.”
The North has long justified its nuclear and missile programs as deterrence against perceived regime-change efforts by Washington and its allies.
Lee stressed that a pragmatic, dialogue-based approach was needed to address the issue, suggesting that a “Trump-style approach” could help communicate with Pyongyang.
“Suspending nuclear material production and ICBM development, as well as halting overseas exports, would be a gain for everyone,” he said, noting he had presented this argument to both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Since his inauguration in June, Lee has pursued dialogue with North Korea without preconditions, a departure from his predecessor’s more hawkish stance.
While Pyongyang has ignored Seoul’s offers, Lee said former President Trump’s unconventional style could facilitate talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“President Trump is a somewhat unique figure, but that trait can be an asset in resolving problems on the Korean peninsula,” Lee said.
“The Trump-style approach seems to help when it comes to talking with Kim … I am willing to play the role of a pacemaker in that process.”
Despite three meetings between Trump and Kim during the former US president’s first term, negotiations stalled after a second summit in Hanoi collapsed over disagreements on denuclearization incentives.
North Korea recently accused South Korea of flying a drone into the border city of Kaesong. Lee’s office denied involvement but noted civilians could have carried out the incursion.
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