South Korean President Lee urges step-by-step denuclearisation of North Korea at UN

Ahead of the UN General Assembly, President Lee Jae Myung outlined a three-stage approach—halt, reduction, dismantlement—to address North Korea’s nuclear programme, arguing that waiting for total denuclearisation is impractical as the regime continues to develop weapons. He cited his offer for multilateral talks to formally conclude the Korean War as a framework for discussing nuclear limits. Lee said Seoul and Washington are prepared to resume talks with Pyongyang, emphasizing the need for a political decision at the leaders’ level to build trust.

While noting recent U.S. scaling back of joint drills, he described North Korea’s reaction as dismissive and warned that a partial deal could tempt Pyongyang to seek sanctions relief without fully abandoning its arsenal. Lee also called for UN reforms to make the multilateral system more responsive to crises and highlighted South Korea’s push for broader AI benefits. He concluded that a realistic, phased solution is essential for lasting peace and prosperity on the peninsula.