Seoul: The U.S.-Iran war has made North Korea even less likely to give up its nuclear weapons program, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said in an interview published Wednesday. Lee emphasized the impact of ongoing international conflicts on North Korea's nuclear stance, highlighting the challenges in denuclearization efforts.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee shared these insights during an interview with The Economist, marking the first anniversary of his inauguration. He noted that the "unique personality" of U.S. President Trump could potentially be "very helpful" in rekindling dialogue with North Korea. Despite the complex geopolitical climate, Lee reassured of South Korea's commitment to nonproliferation, describing the notion of South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons as "not desirable nor realistic."
On broader defense matters, Lee expressed a strong stance, stating, "When it comes to the defense of our nation, we must take matters into our own hands," reflecting a drive towards self-reliance in national security. Addressing the political landscape following the unrest spurred by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration in 2024, Lee conveyed optimism about the country's future, asserting that South Korea can "move beyond this normalization of the abnormal" and aspire to "develop into a nation that leads the world."
In economic terms, Lee proposed a basic income grant to "distribute some of the excess profits to the general public," amid discussions on managing the substantial profits of tech giants like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix during the artificial intelligence boom. He candidly acknowledged the high likelihood of facing impeachment or imprisonment post-presidency, contingent on the outcomes of trials connected to his earlier political roles, which remain on hold during his presidency.