South Korea would accept a Trump-Kim deal to freeze nuclear programme, president tells BBC

South Korea Open to Trump-Kim Nuclear Freeze Deal, President Lee Jae Myung Tells BBC

In a significant shift in rhetoric, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has indicated that Seoul would be open to accepting a deal that freezes North Korea's nuclear programme, reminiscent of potential agreements brokered during the Trump administration. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC, President Lee emphasized his desire to restore trust with Pyongyang and move towards a more stable inter-Korean relationship.

Restoring Trust: A New Approach to North Korea

President Lee, who has consistently advocated for a more engagement-oriented approach to North Korea compared to previous administrations, articulated a pragmatic view on achieving denuclearization. "We are open to various options," Lee told the BBC, when pressed on the possibility of a freeze agreement. "The ultimate goal remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but we must also be realistic about the steps needed to get there."

This statement marks a notable departure from the often rigid stances taken by past South Korean governments, which have typically demanded complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) as a prerequisite for any meaningful engagement. The willingness to consider a freeze suggests a recognition that incremental progress, even if it doesn't achieve the ultimate goal immediately, could be a valuable step in de-escalating tensions and building confidence.

The reference to a "Trump-Kim deal" is particularly telling. During the Trump presidency, there were high-profile summits between then-US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While these meetings ultimately failed to produce a comprehensive denuclearization agreement, they did involve discussions about potential trade-offs, such as sanctions relief in exchange for a freeze on certain aspects of North Korea's weapons programs. President Lee's openness to revisiting such a framework indicates a willingness to explore avenues that might have been previously sidelined.

"We need to rebuild trust, brick by brick," President Lee stated, underscoring the long and arduous journey ahead. "For decades, we have seen cycles of provocation and condemnation. This has not brought us closer to peace. We need a new paradigm."

The Rationale Behind the Freeze Proposal

Why a freeze? The logic, as explained by President Lee and observed by analysts, is multifaceted. Firstly, a freeze would immediately halt the further development and testing of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, which are the most immediate threats to regional security. This would provide a crucial pause, allowing for diplomatic channels to be explored more effectively without the constant pressure of North Korea advancing its capabilities.

Secondly, a freeze could be a more achievable short-term objective than complete denuclearization. North Korea has consistently shown a deep-seated reluctance to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, viewing it as the ultimate guarantor of its security against perceived threats from the United States and its allies. A freeze, however, might be seen by Pyongyang as a less existential concession, potentially paving the way for future, more significant steps.

Furthermore, such an approach aligns with the idea of "phased denuclearization," a concept that has been discussed in diplomatic circles for years. This involves breaking down the complex process of denuclearization into smaller, manageable stages, with reciprocal actions from all parties involved. A freeze could be the first of these stages, followed by verifiable dismantlement of certain facilities or weapons systems, in exchange for corresponding concessions from the international community, such as sanctions relief.

"It's about finding common ground, however small it may seem initially," President Lee elaborated. "If North Korea can demonstrate a genuine commitment to halting its nuclear activities, then we, along with our international partners, must be prepared to respond constructively. This is not about appeasement; it's about pragmatic diplomacy."

Challenges and the Road Ahead

However, the path to such a deal is fraught with challenges. The international community, particularly the United States, has historically been wary of partial agreements with North Korea, citing past instances where Pyongyang reneged on its commitments. The verification of a freeze would also be a complex undertaking, requiring robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Moreover, the current geopolitical climate, marked by heightened tensions between major powers, could complicate diplomatic efforts. The relationship between Seoul and Washington, while generally strong, has seen nuances in approach towards North Korea. President Lee's remarks, while aimed at signaling flexibility from Seoul, will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by Washington and other key international players.

"The trust deficit is enormous," admitted President Lee. "It will take time, patience, and a genuine willingness from all sides to engage in good faith. But the alternative – continued confrontation and the ever-present risk of conflict – is simply unacceptable."

The President also touched upon the importance of humanitarian aid and cultural exchanges as tools for building bridges. While denuclearization remains the primary security concern, he suggested that addressing the humanitarian needs of the North Korean population and fostering people-to-people connections could contribute to a more conducive environment for dialogue.

The BBC interview offers a glimpse into President Lee's evolving strategy for inter-Korean relations. By signaling an openness to a nuclear freeze, he is not only attempting to break the current diplomatic stalemate but also signaling a potential willingness to consider approaches that were once considered taboo. Whether this pragmatic approach can overcome decades of mistrust and lead to tangible progress remains to be seen, but it certainly represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to achieve peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.