South Korean President Lee Jae Myung vows peace through deterrence

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to pursue peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue supported by “firm deterrence.” Delivering a video message for the opening of the Seoul Defence Dialogue, Lee emphasized the necessity of enhanced security cooperation to address complex international challenges.

Lee highlighted concerns regarding the undermining of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and the emergence of unpredictable security threats from rapidly advancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence. He advocated for a new security cooperation model built on international norms, strong deterrence, and shared resilience, noting that such issues require collective action rather than unilateral efforts.

In recent communications, including a gathering in Incheon, the President reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a permanent peace regime and expressed intentions to facilitate dialogue between North Korea and the United States.