South Korea and the United States reaffirm joint stance on North Korean denuclearisation
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said South Korea and the United States remain aligned on a policy aimed at fully denuclearising the Korean Peninsula.
During a parliamentary audit, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized that Seoul and Washington continue to coordinate closely on a unified policy toward North Korea, insisting on the ultimate goal of a nuclear-free peninsula. He said multiple summit meetings have reinforced this alignment and that both sides are maintaining intensive consultations to encourage Pyongyang to resume negotiations. Cho warned that constructive engagement from China and Russia is essential, and he reiterated concerns about North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia.
The minister also mentioned plans for senior-level exchanges with China at the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen, stressing the need to manage sensitive issues such as Taiwan. Additionally, Cho addressed the diplomatic dispute with Ukraine over two North Korean prisoners of war, calling for a principled diplomatic response.
Why it matters
The joint stance shapes regional security and influences diplomatic efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear program.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 EU prepares sanctions on North Korean elite camp hosting Ukrainian children
- Sep 24 Zelenskyy publicly announced the transfer of the two North Korean POWs at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 27 Parliamentary opposition pressed the government for a public rationale after the UN disclosure.
- Sep 29 South Korea formally summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires and demanded an apology for the UN disclosure.
- Sep 29 Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok claimed the military rejected United Nations Command demands for swift site access after the September 21 blasts that injured three soldiers. They argue the delay was meant to conceal evidence of a North Korean wooden-box mine and that the joint investigation was only advanced after public pressure. South Korean and UNC personnel entered the DMZ on Saturday to secure a route and prepare for the upcoming probe.
- Oct 2 South Korean intelligence briefed the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee about Ukraine's request for secrecy in the transfer.
- Oct 2 President Lee publicly warned Ukraine of possible retaliation if it does not apologise for the disclosure.
- Oct 3 Kim Yo‑jong publicly dismissed Seoul’s apology demand as despicable.
- Oct 5 South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says North Korea intentionally placed two mines that exploded in the DMZ on Sept. 21, injuring three soldiers.
- Oct 6 Seoul announced it will examine diplomatic measures in response to the mine blasts.
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