[Editorial] The goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula must not be abandoned

The US President, Donald Trump, has stated his intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un within the next year, despite claiming that North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons. This approach suggests a realist stance, where Trump is willing to accept North Korea's nuclear arsenal in order to negotiate a dialogue with Kim. In contrast, South Korea maintains that the ultimate goal of negotiations is to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

Despite the US government's commitment to "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Trump's administration has downplayed this goal and instead focused on specific security concerns, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles. If Trump's deal with North Korea only addresses these specific threats, it could significantly undermine South Korea's security and prevent the realization of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

Kim Yo-jong, sister of Kim Jong-un, has criticized the US' decision to reduce joint military drills, demanding an end to American hostility towards North Korea. As tensions persist between the US and North Korea, South Korea must actively engage in dialogue with Washington to ensure its perspective is considered in any potential agreements.