Lee's diplomatic 'pacemaker' plan stalls amid US-Korea LNG row and NK missile launch

President Lee Jae Myung envisions a “pacemaker” role that would help create conditions for U.S.-North Korea talks and expand them into broader peace negotiations, relying on Donald Trump as a “peacemaker.” The initiative now faces two setbacks: Washington has stepped up pressure on Seoul over a proposed $54 billion liquefied natural gas project in Alaska, which Trump announced unilaterally despite South Korea’s claim the deal is still under review, and he warned of higher costs if an agreement is not reached.

At the same time, North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea from Wonsan, marking its 16th test, and a recent land-mine blast near the Demilitarized Zone was attributed to recent North Korean mining. South Korea’s National Security Office held an emergency meeting, urging restraint and compliance with UN resolutions. Kim Yo-jong dismissed Seoul’s overtures as a staged “clown show” and warned of retaliation, leaving Lee’s diplomatic plan without a clear path forward.