Cheong Wa Dae Expresses Hope Trump's SNS Message Leads to US-North Korea Dialogue

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's recent directive to scale down joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises and his remarks about maintaining a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Wi Sung-lac, Director of the National Security Office, stated today (August 18) that he hopes this message will lead to meaningful dialogue between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea.

Meeting with reporters, Director Wi made these remarks and added that he hopes this will bring practical progress toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and that discussions for that purpose will resume.

This is interpreted as Cheong Wa Dae's perspective that, separate from concerns raised over whether the sudden scale-down of drills might destabilize the defense posture, this trend could also culminate in dialogue between the U.S. and North Korean leaders.

Director Wi explained that the South Korean government has maintained a consistent stance on this issue, noting that its position is to make necessary diplomatic efforts as a pacemaker based on close South Korea-U.S. coordination regarding U.S.-North Korea dialogue.

He added that, in line with this stance, discussions at the presidential level with President Trump have been held for extended periods on various occasions, particularly during the G7 and NATO summits.

At the same time, Director Wi emphasized that efforts will be made to ensure there is no wavering in the coordination between South Korea and the U.S.

He explained that the South Korean government has been strengthening its self-reliant defense capabilities to secure national security while continuing to coordinate with the U.S. side on joint exercises and training based on a solid South Korea-U.S. alliance, and pledged to continue this cooperation moving forward.

Meanwhile, remarks followed regarding President Trump's disclosure that he had asked President Lee Jae-myung if he was willing to join in Iran's denuclearization efforts, only to receive a refusal.

Director Wi stated, "Regarding the war in Iran and the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, we have actively discussed the matter from the beginning with the international community, including the U.S.," adding, "We have reviewed practical military contribution measures that we can make, taking into consideration the readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures."

He went on to emphasize, "We have a sharper interest in the issue of international nuclear non-proliferation than anyone else, because North Korea violated its non-proliferation commitments and attempted nuclear armament," and added, "In the same context, we also have a great interest in Iran's denuclearization issue and are working together with the international community."

Director Wi promised that the South Korean government will continue to maintain this stance and cooperate with the international community, including the U.S., going forward.

(Photo: Cheong Wa Dae Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.