Lee: "Three-Stage Approach to North Korea's Nuclear Issue?Freeze, Reduction, Denuclearization... Creating Conditions Through U.S. Cooperation and Dialogue With North" (Comprehensive)

Interview with Yomiuri Shimbun
"Though Difficult to Accept, the Comfort Women Agreement Should Not Be Overturned"

President Lee Jaemyung stated that while maintaining close cooperation with the United States, he will work to create conditions through inter-Korean dialogue that could lead to the freezing, reduction, and eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. He explained that although the ultimate policy direction is the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the process will be phased: the first stage will be the freezing of nuclear weapons and missiles, the second stage will be reduction, and the third stage will be achieving denuclearization.

Yonhap News

In an interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun published on the 21st, President Lee responded to a question regarding Japan's position that North Korea's nuclear development poses the greatest threat, and concerns that US-North Korea dialogue could legitimize North Korea's nuclear program. He answered as above.

Regarding inter-Korean relations, President Lee emphasized, "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are important not only for the Republic of Korea but also for peace and stability in Northeast Asia, including Japan, China, and Russia." He added, "It is necessary for us to take the initiative in opening doors, making efforts for dialogue, finding paths for cooperation, and easing hostilities." President Lee further elaborated, "With the new initiative of 'developing the Arctic route,' the United States, Russia, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan could create opportunities for cooperation."

He also noted that amid the grave international situation, the importance of Korea-Japan, Korea-US, and Korea-US-Japan cooperation is growing even greater. President Lee stated, "I believe we must deepen security cooperation between Korea and Japan, and also continue to strengthen trilateral cooperation among Korea, the US, and Japan." He explained, "This is a crucial task to protect the safety and national interests of the three countries and to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia." President Lee added, "Managing relations with China, Russia, and North Korea is also important, and for this, cooperation among Korea, the US, and Japan must serve as a solid foundation."

Regarding previous Korea-Japan agreements under past administrations, such as the 'third-party compensation system' related to forced labor and the comfort women issue, President Lee said, "From the perspective of the Korean people, the previous administration's agreements are very difficult to accept," but also expressed the view that "since these are promises between nations, it is not desirable to overturn them." The comfort women issue was addressed in an agreement with the Japanese government in 2015 under former President Park Geun-hye, and the forced labor issue was addressed in a 2023 agreement under former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Although the Democratic Party of Korea has opposed both agreements, President Lee indicated his intention to uphold them as intergovernmental agreements.

President Lee stated, "While considering the consistency of policy and external trust in the nation, I also bear the dual responsibility of seriously considering the positions of the public, victims, and their families." He proposed that Korea and Japan should conduct discussions from a more humanitarian perspective.

President Lee also commented on historical conflicts between Korea and Japan, saying, "We should acknowledge reality as much as possible, strive to understand each other, and resolve issues in a non-confrontational manner."

Regarding relations with Japan, President Lee emphasized, "Japan is a very important partner," and added, "I believe Korea can also be beneficial to Japan." He continued, "We should identify mutually beneficial paths and expand areas of cooperation." In particular, he expressed hope that Korea-Japan relations would undergo a major transformation into a mutually beneficial relationship, continuing the spirit of the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration and building a future-oriented partnership that goes beyond it.

President Lee added, "While facing the past squarely, we must also demonstrate the wisdom to move forward into the future." President Lee is scheduled to visit Japan for the first time since taking office on August 23-24 and will hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Meanwhile, regarding China, President Lee stated, "Geographically and economically, China is an inseparable neighbor, and the relationship between Korea and China includes aspects of competition, cooperation, confrontation, and rivalry." He added, "We must manage this relationship comprehensively, taking all these aspects into account."

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