Presidential Office: "Pursuing Denuclearization of North Korea Without Wavering with Trump Administration"

Yoon Chairs Economic and Security Review Meeting in Yongsan
Discusses Response Measures Ahead of Trump’s Second Term Launch
"US Congress Also Recognizes Importance of ROK-US Alliance"

Kim Tae-hyo, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, is briefing on the results of the economic and security inspection meeting held on the 10th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul, presided over by President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News

The Presidential Office emphasized ahead of the launch of the second Trump administration, stating, "While there may be risk factors for each issue, we will prepare to turn these into opportunities." It also declared its commitment to unwaveringly pursue the goal of North Korean denuclearization in cooperation with the Trump administration.

On the afternoon of the 10th, Kim Tae-hyo, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, held a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office and explained the results of the security discussions covered in the "Economic and Security Review Meeting on Changes in External Conditions" chaired by President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Deputy Director Kim said, "Even before the key appointments, including the White House staff leading the foreign and security policy of the second Trump administration, are finalized, we will identify the key issues for each major agenda and prepare countermeasures in advance."

He added, "As the ROK-US alliance works together to navigate global geopolitical and geoeconomic competition, we will strengthen the deterrence system against North Korea, advance defense and defense industry cooperation between the two countries, and expand leadership for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through synergy in advanced industries and technological cooperation."

Although risks may arise in various areas such as the ROK-US defense cost-sharing issue, the Ukraine war, and Russia-North Korea cooperation after the Trump administration takes office, the policy is to strive to turn these into opportunities rather than crises.

Deputy Director Kim emphasized, "Security and economic cooperation between the ROK and the US is not about satisfying the interests of one side but is conducted for the joint interests of the alliance. Both the American public and Congress, whether Republican or Democrat, fully recognize the importance of the ROK-US alliance."

He continued, "Based on our rapidly advancing defense industry capabilities, we can realize broad cooperation potential not only in the production and export of weapon systems between the ROK and the US but also in maintenance, management, repair, as well as research and development."

Deputy Director Kim added, "By jointly promoting the strengths and competitiveness of supply chains, advanced technologies, and future industries between the two countries, we aim to discuss and activate security-economic cooperation programs so that the citizens and companies of both countries can enjoy more jobs and benefits."

Kim Tae-hyo, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, is briefing on the results of the economic and security inspection meeting held on the 10th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul, presided over by President Yoon Suk-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News

Deputy Director Kim stated, "The government will steadfastly pursue the goal of North Korean denuclearization with the new US administration while solidifying and developing the nuclear-based ROK-US alliance."

He added, "We intend to consult to ensure that our North Korea policy, based on the 'Bold Initiative' and the 'August 15 Unification Doctrine,' can be well integrated into the formulation of the next US administration's North Korea policy."

The Presidential Office showed a cautious stance regarding public opinion calling for independent nuclear armament raised by some quarters.

A Presidential Office official said, "We will focus on the deployment of strategic assets and the establishment of deterrence against North Korea, which have operated smoothly so far," adding, "The scenario of independent nuclear armament is a consideration for a very extreme situation that can be thought of only afterward."

Regarding the Trump president-elect's demand for an increase in the defense cost-sharing for US Forces Korea, the official said, "The result of the 12th Special Measures Agreement on Defense Cost-Sharing, finalized by the Biden administration, is a result that both countries believe benefits the US through intense negotiations and that we have also improved," adding, "We will explain in detail that it is based on the mutually beneficial interests of both countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.