South Korea and US Lock Arms on North Korea Denuclearisation Goal
South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac made it clear on Wednesday that Seoul and Washington share a rock-solid commitment to denuclearising the Korean Peninsula. Speaking at a forum in Seoul, Wi stressed that this "ultimate goal" won’t budge, no matter what North Korea thinks.
"Denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is the ultimate goal that South Korea and the US have always shared," Wi said. "It stays the same whether North Korea likes it or not." Even as North Korea brushes off peace efforts from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Seoul plans to stick to a three-step strategy for North Korea denuclearisation, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Wi broke it down simply: First, freeze North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Then, reduce them step by step. Finally, dismantle everything for good. "North Korea hasn’t responded right away, but we need to restart dialogue," he added. "Our government has already taken steps to ease tensions without weakening our security or deterrence. We’ll keep building trust."
No Kim Jong-un at APEC Summit, But Trump Might Show Up
Looking ahead to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Wi ruled out any chance of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attending the big multilateral event. However, he confirmed that US President Donald Trump plans to visit South Korea for the summit.
Wi also raised alarms about North Korea’s growing military bond with Russia. Their mutual defense treaty from last year promises quick help if either side faces an attack. "Russia and North Korea now have a full military alliance, and that’s worrying—especially as North Korea pushes ahead with its nuclear and missile tech," Wi warned. He said this could hurt inter-Korean relations, South Korea’s national security, and even ties between Seoul and Moscow.
On rumors that Russia might have given nuclear-powered submarine reactors to North Korea, Wi noted that South Korean intelligence picked up the tip, but it’s unverified so far.
Trade Talks with US Heat Up, But Security Stays Separate
Shifting to economics, Wi said South Korea is negotiating hard with the US to protect its interests in trade. The two countries struck a deal in July that cut US tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%, in exchange for Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge. But they’re still hashing out the fine print.
"These talks shouldn’t drag on forever," Wi said. "The key is making sure the deal is practical, long-lasting, and guards our national interests properly." He assured that trade issues won’t mess with security talks, though he warned of potential spillover risks.
One hot security topic is the US push for "strategic flexibility" with its 28,500 troops in South Korea (US Forces Korea or USFK). Critics worry this could dilute the focus on stopping North Korean threats. Wi explained that allies are consulting carefully, respecting each other’s boundaries, and building in safeguards.
Japan Ties: Shuttle Diplomacy Back, Dokdo Stands Firm
Wi addressed buzz about a possible visit from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to South Korea later this month. "Nothing’s set in stone yet," he said, but added that Seoul and Tokyo agreed to revive "shuttle diplomacy" for better ties.
On Japan’s complaints about South Korea’s maritime surveys near the Dokdo islets in the East Sea, Wi called it business as usual. "These are routine activities around our easternmost islands, and Japan protests often," he noted. He urged not to hype up Dokdo issues, as it might create a false sense of territorial dispute. "Dokdo is our land, as everyone knows."
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