Is Seoul Committed to Denuclearising the Korean Peninsula?
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Synopsis
South Korea's unwavering commitment to denuclearising the Korean Peninsula is reaffirmed amidst North Korea's firm stance on nuclear weapons. As geopolitical tensions rise, will diplomatic efforts prevail in fostering peace and cooperation in the region?
Key Takeaways
- South Korea reiterates its goal of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula.
- North Korea remains steadfast in its commitment to nuclear weapons.
- The UN has issued several resolutions urging North Korea to denuclearise.
- South Korea emphasizes diplomatic efforts for peace and cooperation.
- President Lee Jae Myung advocates for restoring trust despite challenges.
Seoul, Sep 30 (NationPress) South Korea reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the goal of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, following a declaration from a senior North Korean diplomat at the United Nations, who insisted on retaining nuclear weapons.
The foreign ministry stated, “Denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula remains a steadfast objective for the global community, including South Korea and the United States.”
The ministry further emphasized the UN's consistent calls for North Korea to denuclearise through various Security Council resolutions, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
During a general debate at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong reiterated the nation’s stance, declaring that it will never relinquish its nuclear programme “under any circumstances.”
He remarked that enforcing denuclearization is “equivalent to demanding North Korea surrender its sovereignty and right to exist.”
The foreign ministry reiterated that the South Korean government adheres to its three-point principle of respecting the North Korean regime, avoiding unification through absorption, and refraining from hostile actions.
Seoul remains committed to pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peaceful coexistence and mutual development through in-depth dialogue, closely coordinating with the US.
Earlier, on September 18, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed his intention to continue rebuilding trust with North Korea, despite limited prospects for engagement.
In a written address to the Global Korea Forum, delivered by Lim Woong-soon, the second Deputy Director of the National Security Office, Lee stated, “The government has taken steps to ease military tensions and restore inter-Korean trust from the outset and will maintain this approach.”
He asserted, “It is time to conclude the era of confrontation and hostility.”
“We will identify actionable items from existing inter-Korean agreements and strive to cultivate a conducive environment for dialogue and cooperation,” he added.
Despite Pyongyang's dismissal of his peace initiatives, Lee affirmed that his government will remain patient and work towards establishing a system that can genuinely foster peace and coexistence in alignment with evolving inter-Korean relations and the global geopolitical landscape.
Point of View
I emphasize that the focus must remain on fostering dialogue and cooperation between South Korea and North Korea. Both nations must work collaboratively to navigate the complexities of their relationship while respecting each other's sovereignty and right to exist.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current stance of South Korea on North Korea's nuclear weapons?
South Korea has reiterated its commitment to denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, viewing it as a consistent goal for the international community.
How has North Korea responded to denuclearisation efforts?
North Korea has firmly stated that it will never abandon its nuclear programme, insisting that demands for denuclearisation undermine its sovereignty.
What diplomatic efforts is South Korea pursuing?
South Korea is focused on achieving peaceful coexistence through comprehensive dialogue and close coordination with the United States.
