Blue Home nationwide safety adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks to the Hankyoreh throughout an interview held on the Nationwide Safety Workplace on the Blue Home on Dec. 31, 2025. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
South Korea’s high safety official described the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as “a difficulty tied to the pursuits of each neighboring nation” and mentioned there could be “a considerable and significant dialogue” on the matter in the course of the Seoul-Beijing summit scheduled for Monday.
Reflecting on the previous six months because the Lee Jae Myung administration took workplace in South Korea, Blue Home nationwide safety adviser Wi Sung-lac mentioned the event of private rapport between Lee and US President Donald Trump was one of many main diplomatic feats by the brand new administration. Wi added that the Lee administration would proceed working to develop Seoul’s relations with Washington, Beijing and Tokyo this yr.
“If denuclearization turns into fully inconceivable on the Korean Peninsula, the ensuing state of affairs won’t be in anyone’s pursuits — and that’s additionally true of China and Russia,” Wi mentioned throughout an interview with the Hankyoreh on the Blue Home on New Yr’s Eve, simply 4 days earlier than Lee was scheduled to pay a state go to to China.
Wi’s feedback recommend that Lee plans to have an in-depth dialogue of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula throughout his go to to China on Jan. 4-7.
Our interview with Wi is offered beneath.
Hankyoreh: Lee had no scarcity of main diplomatic engagements final yr, together with the Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation summit and summits with the leaders of the US, China and Japan. Are you able to replicate a bit of on that?
Wi: One second that has caught with me is the Oval Workplace sit-down [between Lee and Trump] throughout his first go to to the US in August. On high of preconceived notions about whether or not the Lee administration and the Trump administration would mesh effectively, we needed to diffuse the tariff bomb. These have been the playing cards we have been dealt going into the summit, however we have been in a position to emerge from it by pulling off the largest plot twist that turned these assumptions on their head. The 2 leaders exceeded expectations by constructing a pleasant rapport; they even began to name one another “pal.” It was an enormous turning level for the brand new administration, and [the agreement reached there] grew to become the idea for our different diplomatic efforts.
Hankyoreh: Ever since North Korean chief Kim Jong-un visited Beijing for the Victory Day celebrations commemorating the eightieth anniversary of the tip of World Battle II in October 2025, China has avoided mentioning denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. How far will South Korea and China be capable of take negotiations on North Korea in the course of the upcoming summit?
Wi: China shies away from speaking about denuclearization. Whereas I wouldn’t say that these strikes by China are precisely fascinating, they do display a continuity and stability in Beijing’s stance in the case of the Korean Peninsula. We hope to construct off that consistency, shifting ahead with talks about peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
Hankyoreh: Do you reckon that the joint assertion from the summit will explicitly point out denuclearization?
Wi: Whether or not it is going to be explicitly included within the assertion is one other query, however we’ll proceed with talks of that nature. The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a matter tied to the pursuits of each neighboring nation. If denuclearization turns into fully inconceivable on the Korean Peninsula, the ensuing state of affairs won’t be in anyone’s pursuits. Tensions will run excessive, and everybody will deal with coming to phrases with what the following step will probably be on a nationwide safety degree. That can do nothing to profit China and Russia, which is why it is a downside shared by all of us. We hope to conduct a considerable and significant dialogue.
Hankyoreh: On Monday and Tuesday, China performed navy drills showcasing its skill to encircle Taiwan. There are considerations that China may also demand that South Korea state its place on Taiwan.
Wi: Our stance on cross-strait relations has all the time been constant and clearly outlined. Peace and stability throughout the Taiwan Strait are paramount.
Hankyoreh: Does this imply you gained’t reply even when China calls for a particular stance on Taiwan?
Wi: Both sides has its personal place on this challenge, and China will probably be understanding of that.
Hankyoreh: China has voiced considerations via state media about South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines and uranium enrichment efforts. How do you react to that?
Wi: North Korea is creating its personal nuclear-armed submarines that it might [equip with nuclear weapons and] launch from. We should always clarify that we should deal with these dangers. From our perspective, the asymmetry in nuclear and missile capacities between the Koreas is not only a significant issue, however a matter of survival.
Hankyoreh: President Lee has known as for a robust response to unlawful Chinese language fishing vessels. What’s the intent behind this? I perceive he’s taken a hard-nosed stance on the unlawful constructions within the West Sea as effectively.
Wi: It’s not about being aggressive, however adhering to rules. Folks name the president “pro-China,” however that’s not true. The president all the time considers pragmatism primarily based on nationwide pursuits, and [the policy of responding sternly to illegal structures in the West Sea] is one occasion of that. These constructions usually are not abiding by established rules. [The illegal fishing boats] placing up armed resistance additionally defies widespread sense.
Hankyoreh: Do you assume the difficulty of unlawful constructions within the West Sea may be resolved via summit-level talks?
Wi: It will be good to have summit-level steerage after we negotiate with China. We intend to pursue that.
Hankyoreh: There have been hopes {that a} Okay-pop live performance could be held in the course of the upcoming summit in China, however it has since been dominated out. Can we anticipate a lifting of China’s ban on Korean cultural merchandise any time quickly?
Wi: Arranging a live performance particularly for the upcoming go to proved troublesome, however we plan to pursue one [later on]. It might occur down the road. [Additionally, to restore relations with China,] we’re searching for avenues for cooperation in provide chains, digital know-how, and superior supplies. We’re making ready varied financial cooperation paperwork [for this summit].
Hankyoreh: Donald Trump’s go to to China in April is taken into account a window of alternative for a North Korea-US summit. Do you assume the 2 leaders will certainly meet?
Wi: We’re making ready for varied situations with out ruling out that chance. Nevertheless, there may be nonetheless ample time, and given the present state of utmost pressure in North Korea-US relations, we aren’t being overly optimistic or entertaining any unwarranted expectations. As a substitute, we’re maintaining open the potential of engagement not solely with the US but in addition with worldwide organizations just like the UN, in addition to impartial European nations and Southeast Asian nations which might be comparatively much less hostile towards North Korea.
Hankyoreh: President Lee said in the course of the international affairs and unification briefing on Dec. 19 that as a divided nation, the function of the Ministry of Unification is “extraordinarily significant and vital.” Some have interpreted this remark as lending assist to the argument that Korea ought to try to enhance inter-Korean relations unbiased of US intervention, versus emphasizing alignment with the US.
Wi: I don’t agree with that binary classification. I’ve by no means thought of myself a part of any faction. There are a lot of discussions and conferences on the Nationwide Safety Council. The vital factor is to work out [differences of opinion], even when it’s troublesome. And what’s much more essential is to enact the selections that got here out of these negotiations.”
Hankyoreh: You say it’s the NSC’s job to mediate differing opinions, however Unification Minister Chung Dong-young raised objections to the participation of the primary, second and third vice ministers of the Nationwide Safety Workplace, i.e., vice minister-level officers, within the assembly. Has the difficulty been resolved?
Wi: I imagine so. The NSC system originated in the course of the Kim Dae-jung administration, and it was customary for vice minister-level officers to take part. At the moment, the senior secretaries to the president technically held the rank of vice minister, and the Blue Home had a job in adjusting that. These of the rank of vice minister within the Blue Home are seen in another way from vice ministers of presidency ministries. That’s one attribute of the presidential system. The custom of vice minister-level officers taking part within the NSC has by no means modified.
Hankyoreh: Comply with-up measures to the joint reality sheet with the US will probably be essential, however there are considerations concerning the tempo of subsequent consultations. You’ve mentioned that the US negotiating staff would possibly go to Korea in early 2026, on the earliest. Is a particular schedule being coordinated?
Wi: I believe we’ll obtain a response after the primary week of January. The ambiance throughout discussions [with US counterparts during my December visit] was constructive and proactive. I used to be happy to get the sense that the US additionally needs to conclude this challenge shortly. There’s a lot to debate with the US Congress, however given the US midterm elections this yr, it gained’t be simple. For this reason each the Korean and US administrations should transfer shortly.
Hankyoreh: The present reality sheet states that the US has “given approval for” South Korea to assemble nuclear-powered submarines. What do you say to those that argue that the phrasing is ambiguous?
Wi: We have to create a separate settlement particularly for nuclear submarines.
Hankyoreh: Final November, Gen. Xavier Brunson, the commander of US Forces Korea, emphasised the necessity for “strategic flexibility.” Has it been made clear that South Korea’s nuclear submarines are meant for responding to North Korea, even when the US requests South Korea’s participation in countering China?
Wi: Sure. Korea and the US don’t share equivalent priorities. The actual fact sheet displays that adjustment. We make compromises to adapt to altering circumstances, however our place in these discussions is that the end result should not jeopardize our safety.
Hankyoreh: Has it been settled that we’ll construct the nuclear submarines ourselves?
Wi: That’s now not some extent of competition.
Hankyoreh: What measures to scale back pressure between the Koreas are price contemplating, supplied they don’t undermine safety?
Wi: We’ve reviewed varied choices and carried out measures to ease tensions inside a scope that doesn’t damage our safety. Whereas North Korea didn’t reply positively, inter-Korean relations haven’t turn out to be extra hostile. That must be seen as an achievement. We’re reviewing [additional measures], however we mustn’t act recklessly. If it undermines our safety, it’s going to turn out to be controversial domestically. A coverage lacks energy with out the assist of the general public.
Hankyoreh: International diplomacy will probably be essential for 2026 as effectively. What would be the major focus?
Wi: Solidifying the Korea-US relationship we constructed final yr. Whereas we anticipated difficulties with Japan, [Seoul-Tokyo relations] are progressing easily and persevering with to develop. Korea-US and Korea-Japan relations are secure, and ties with China are being restored. We’ll develop these ties additional via follow-up measures. Our basis in diplomacy is to construct upon these relationships and join them with the Group of Seven, NATO, ASEAN, and others. Primarily based on this basis, we’ll attain out to the International South, together with China and Russia.
Hankyoreh: Restoring shuttle diplomacy with Japan is a significant achievement, however considerations stay relating to historic points.
Wi: Once we took workplace, everybody mentioned, “The Democratic Social gathering is anti-Japan, so Korea-Japan relations are completed.” Nevertheless, President Lee stabilized the connection by visiting Japan forward of the Korea-US summit final August. Simply because it’s sunny sooner or later doesn’t imply it gained’t rain in a while. For us to unravel our points relating to historical past and territory, we have to construct a constructive back-and-forth first. There’s a consensus [between Seoul and Tokyo] proper now that even after we speak about problems with the previous, we shouldn’t let it devolve right into a vicious cycle, and that we each ought to work to unravel these points.
By Search engine marketing Younger-ji, employees reporter; Goh Gyoung-ju, employees reporter
Please direct questions or feedback to [english@hani.co.kr]
