Lee casts himself as a pacemaker for peninsula dialogue At a nationally televised New Year press conference, President Lee Jae Myung declared he will lead diplomatic efforts to restart North Korea‑U.S. talks and set conditions for inter‑Korean dialogue, describing his role as a “pacemaker” for peace [1][2][3]. He emphasized that Seoul will pursue “feasible, consistent measures” to elicit a response from Pyongyang and gradually reduce tensions [1][2][3]. The announcement marks the administration’s first major foreign‑policy initiative of 2026 [1][2][3].

Restoration of the 2018 Sept. 19 military pact prioritized Lee announced Seoul will reinstate the September 19, 2018 military agreement that halted accidental clashes and built political‑military trust between the two Koreas [1][2][3]. The pact, suspended in 2024 amid heightened hostilities, is presented as a confidence‑building step toward broader inter‑Korean talks [1][2][3]. Lee framed the move as “creative” and “pragmatic,” aiming to create a stable environment for future negotiations [3].

Three‑stage denuclearization roadmap outlined amid nuclear threats Lee warned that North Korea continues to produce fissile material sufficient for 10‑20 nuclear weapons annually and is advancing ICBM technology [1][2][3]. He outlined a phased roadmap: halt new nuclear material production, block transfers abroad, and stop ICBM development [1][2][3]. The president linked the roadmap to a long‑term goal of a nuclear‑free peninsula anchored in the U.S.–South Korea alliance and self‑reliant defense [1][2][3].

Drone accusations and Pyongyang’s rebuff underscore fragile context North Korea has accused South Korea of sending drones into its airspace and demanded an apology, heightening diplomatic strain [2]. Lee noted Pyongyang’s refusal to engage with peace overtures, underscoring the need for “pragmatic diplomacy” despite ongoing provocations [3]. The president’s push for dialogue proceeds against this backdrop of mutual suspicion and recent incidents [2][3].