During a brief encounter at the G7 Summit in France, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on U.S. President Donald Trump to spearhead renewed discussions with North Korea about its nuclear program. Lee’s request occurred during a group photo session where South Korea was a guest nation at the summit. He urged Trump to employ his unique diplomatic style, referencing Trump’s previous direct negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The appeal from President Lee follows heightened attention on North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments, which have advanced significantly in recent years. This has been accompanied by closer ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Despite the high-profile meetings between Trump and Kim during Trump’s first term, these diplomatic efforts ultimately did not yield a sustainable agreement regarding denuclearization.
Recent remarks by Trump about his past encounters with Kim Jong Un have been seen by some South Korean officials as a potential indicator of his renewed interest in diplomatic engagement. In response, Seoul continues to advocate for dialogue while simultaneously enhancing defense cooperation with its allies to address regional security challenges.
Beyond his interaction with Trump, President Lee also held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit. Their discussions focused on defense collaboration and broader security partnerships, showcasing South Korea’s efforts to expand its diplomatic engagement during the international event.
