South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young emphasized the need to move away from solely focusing on denuclearization as the solution to the North Korean nuclear problem. Chung highlighted that the lack of progress in nuclear diplomacy has allowed North Korea to enhance its nuclear capabilities over the past three decades. He proposed a phased and practical approach instead of insisting on denuclearization as a precondition for peace talks.
Chung underlined the importance of a step-by-step process, suggesting a freeze, reduction, and eventual denuclearization of North Korea’s nuclear program. He pointed out that engaging in dialogue with North Korea, starting with talks between the US and North Korea, is crucial to initiating this phased approach. Chung also called for the resumption of dialogue between the US and North Korea to pave the way for broader discussions involving key stakeholders like China and the two Koreas.
Chung emphasized that historical breakthroughs in nuclear diplomacy occurred when countries actively engaged in dialogue with Pyongyang. He urged for a paradigm shift in approaching the North Korean nuclear issue, advocating for a more pragmatic and phased strategy to achieve lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
