National Security Adviser Meets Guterres in New York South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac held a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres on Dec. 18, 2025 at UN headquarters, where he handed President Lee Jae Myung’s letter urging the UN chief to travel to Pyongyang and help reopen talks [1][2]. The discussion centered on Korean‑Peninsula stability and broader South‑Korea‑UN cooperation, signaling Seoul’s push for multilateral engagement [2]. Both reports note that the presidential office declined to disclose further details of the encounter [1][2].

Letter Calls for Active UN Role and Possible Visit Lee’s letter explicitly requests Guterres to play an “active role” in bringing Pyongyang back to the dialogue table, including a personal visit to the North as a confidence‑building measure [1][2]. Seoul frames the request as part of a strategy to use international channels to pressure Pyongyang toward negotiations [1]. The appeal underscores South Korea’s preference for diplomatic, rather than military, avenues to address lingering tensions [2].

UN Spokesperson Refuses Comment on Request When Yonhap queried the UN about the meeting, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric responded that the organization had “no comment” on the inquiry [1]. This non‑response leaves the UN’s official stance on a potential North Korea visit ambiguous. The lack of comment contrasts with the visible handshake captured in a UN‑provided photograph, which the agency released for public use [1][2].

Photo Documents Handshake, Highlights Diplomatic Tone A UN‑issued image shows Wi Sung‑lac and Guterres shaking hands, reinforcing the diplomatic overtone of the discussion and serving as the only visual evidence released [1][2]. The photo’s caption notes it is “not for sale,” indicating controlled distribution. Its circulation suggests both parties wish to signal openness to dialogue without committing to concrete actions yet.