South Korea drops ‘denuclearization-first’ stance on North: minister

President Lee Jae Myung has reversed the stance of his hawkish predecessor since taking power in Seoul in June 2025

South Korea has shifted its priorities from disarmament, focusing instead on halting the expansion of Pyongyang’s nuclear activities

July 23, 2026 10:03

SEOUL: South Korea has abandoned its campaign prioritizing pressure on the North to dismantle its nuclear weapons, a minister said Thursday, marking a fresh overture by Seoul’s dovish government.

South Korea drops ‘denuclearization-first’ stance on North: minister

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