Seoul to Act as ‘Pace‑Maker’ in Restarting North Korea‑America Negotiations

President Lee Jae‑myung, on his first stop in Nice before a planned summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, affirmed South Korea’s intention to facilitate a fresh round of talks between North Korea and the United States. In the interview, Lee described the “pace‑maker” function as essential for reopening dialogue and checking the continuous growth of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. He reiterated South Korea’s policy of peaceful coexistence with the North, aimed at easing inter‑Korean tensions. Lee also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements, interpreting them as a strategic shift rather than an attack on the alliance, and highlighted Seoul’s move to increase defence outlays and strengthen its military posture.