# South Korean diplomatic tensions regarding Korean Peninsula > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-diplomatic-tensions-regarding-korean-peninsula > Updated: 2026-09-18T03:07:38.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. South Korean conservative politicians have criticized the Lee Jae-myung administration’s diplomatic approach to the security environment on the Korean Peninsula. During a National Assembly seminar, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon warned that South Korea could be sidelined if the United States and North Korea reach a direct agreement regarding sanctions relief and nuclear freezes. Oh also criticized the reduction in joint military exercises with the U.S. and called for bolstered domestic defense capabilities. Additionally, lawmakers criticized the government for failing to protest Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s characterization of the two Koreas as ‘two countries.’ In response, President Lee Jae-myung addressed these diplomatic concerns during a press conference. He acknowledged the possibility of South Korea not being at the center of initial North Korea-U.S. discussions but maintained that the government remains vital in facilitating cooperation for long-term stability. Lee stated he is performing preparatory coordination and encouraging U.S. President Donald Trump to engage in dialogue. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: President Lee addresses agricultural land reforms and North Korea-US diplomacy President Lee Jae-myung defended agricultural land surveys against speculation claims and addressed concerns of South Korea being sidelined in potential North Korea-US diplomatic dialogues. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-lee-addresses-agricultural-land-reforms-and-north-korea-us-diplomacy ### 2026-08-25: South Korean conservatives criticize Lee administration's diplomacy South Korean conservatives are criticizing the Lee Jae-myung administration's diplomacy, warning of potential exclusion from US-North Korea negotiations and calling for stronger domestic defense. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-conservatives-criticize-lee-administrations-diplomacy --- Cite as: South Korean diplomatic tensions regarding Korean Peninsula. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-diplomatic-tensions-regarding-korean-peninsula