National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac holds a pre-trip briefing for reporters at the Chunchugwan press hall at Cheong Wa Dae on July 22. [Yonhap]
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac holds a pre-trip briefing for reporters at the Chunchugwan press hall at Cheong Wa Dae on July 22. [Yonhap]

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Tuesday he hopes the friendly rapport between the leaders of the United States and North Korea will translate into meaningful dialogue, and that such talks will produce tangible progress toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

"Our position is to make the necessary efforts as a pacemaker, in close coordination with the United States, on the question of US-North Korea dialogue," Wi told reporters at the Chunchugwan press hall at Cheong Wa Dae that afternoon.

His remarks came after Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday local time, emphasizing his warm relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and revealing that he had directed a reduction in joint US-South Korea military exercises.

On that point, Wi said the government had been coordinating with the US side on combined exercises and training "while strengthening our self-reliant defense capabilities and on the basis of the firm Korea-US alliance," and pledged to continue that cooperation going forward.

Trump also claimed in his social media post that South Korea had indicated it would not join efforts to denuclearize Iran — a characterization Wi rebuffed. "We have a sharper interest than anyone in international nuclear nonproliferation," Wi said.

Wi said Seoul had been reviewing practical military contributions it could make, taking into account the peninsula's readiness posture and domestic legal procedures. "North Korea violated its nonproliferation commitments and defied the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in pursuing nuclear armament," he said. "By the same token, we are deeply engaged with the international community on the question of Iran's denuclearization."

Wi added that the government would maintain this position and continue to coordinate with the United States and the broader international community.


moone@heraldcorp.com