President Lee Jae Myung unveiled the new administration’s Korean Peninsula policy during his keynote address at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday. He introduced the E·N·D Initiative, a phased approach to denuclearization centered on three principles: Exchange, Normalization of relations, and Denuclearization.
As the possibility of U.S.-North Korea dialogue grows, Lee officially declared on the international stage his intention to present realistic alternatives for denuclearization and act as a facilitator.
Speaking seventh at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, President Lee stated that the Republic of Korea will fulfill its responsibilities and role in ending the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula and contributing to global peace and prosperity through the E·N·D Initiative.
He asserted that the surest peace is a state where there’s no need for conflict, and announced plans to end the era of hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula through comprehensive dialogue centered on Exchange, Normalization of relations, and Denuclearization, ushering in a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth.
Lee Shifts from Absorption-Based Unification to Coexistence, Aligning with the Moon Administration’s Policy
President Lee expressed his intent to address Korean Peninsula issues by recognizing North Korea’s regime. He stated that the South Korean government respects the other party’s system, will not pursue any form of absorption-based unification, and has no intention of engaging in hostile actions.
The term unification appeared only once in his speech, indicating a priority on normalizing inter-Korean relations through respect for North Korea’s regime. This contrasts with the previous approach of inducing internal changes in North Korea to achieve unification.
This stance aligns with the Moon Jae-in administration’s Korean Peninsula policy. Former President Moon also stated in his first UN General Assembly address in 2017 that he did not wish for North Korea’s collapse and would not pursue any form of forced or artificial unification.
Advocating Phased Denuclearization Over Complete Denuclearization: Supporting U.S.-North Korea Dialogue
President Lee revealed a pragmatic approach to the North Korean nuclear issue. While not recognizing North Korea as a nuclear state, he formalized a phased approach, acknowledging that denying the existence of nuclear weapons would hinder progress towards denuclearization.
In his speech, Lee stated that denuclearization is undoubtedly a critical task. However, recognizing that it’s difficult to resolve quickly, we must now seek realistic and rational solutions. He called on the international community to collaborate on a practical, step-by-step approach, starting with halting the advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities, moving through reduction, and ultimately reaching elimination.
This approach differs from former President Moon’s early Berlin Declaration, which proposed complete denuclearization. It suggests a willingness to engage in arms reduction talks while acknowledging North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
A senior presidential official explained that while it can’t recognize North Korea as a nuclear power, both we and the U.S. acknowledge that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons. Further noting that it must first prevent them from making more. Only then can the path to denuclearization begin, and this is the reality.
By officially proposing a phased denuclearization plan on the international stage, Lee aims to facilitate dialogue between North Korea and the U.S.
Previously, Kim Jong Un stated that if the U.S. abandons its delusions about denuclearization, acknowledges reality, and truly desires peaceful coexistence with them, it has no reason not to engage with them. Further, The White House has also indicated that the possibility of dialogue between President Donald Trump and Kim remains open.
As the approach to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue is a prerequisite for dialogue, Lee positions himself as a facilitator by proposing the halt of nuclear advancement as the first step.
He emphasized that peace on the Korean Peninsula must be created jointly by both Koreas and the international community, adding that he would actively support and cooperate in efforts to normalize relations with the international community, including between North Korea and the U.S.
Park Won-gon, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Ewha Womans University, noted that North Korea has consistently rejected the term denuclearization and has repeatedly called for nuclear disarmament talks. Further noting that if the U.S. engages in negotiations with North Korea, it’s crucial for South Korea and the U.S. to actively discuss what form of denuclearization policy to pursue.