South Korea backs Trump’s North Korea outreach, but warns against being sidelined

South Korea backs U.S. President Donald Trump's attempts to restart talks with North Korea, but stresses its own security should not be compromised, according to the nation's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Wi emphasized the importance of focusing on progress on the North Korean nuclear weapons issue during the resumption of discussions between the U.S. and North Korea, without undermining South Korea's readiness.

"We must coordinate with the United States to ensure that any resumption of US-North Korea dialogue leads to substantive progress on the North Korean nuclear issue, alongside efforts to establish a peace regime on the Korean peninsula," Wi stated. To achieve these goals, he stressed the critical role of policy coordination and communication between Seoul and Washington.

Wi cited Trump's recent decision to reduce major joint military drills between the two allies, noting that it signaled a willingness to engage with North Korea. However, Seoul should not be "sidelined" in Washington's efforts to restart talks with Pyongyang, Wi added. President Trump reportedly mentioned Seoul's refusal to provide assistance during the Iran war as a reason for shortening the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills this month, stating that it sent a wrong message to North Korea.

The two leaders have met three times since 2018, and Trump has been seeking a new summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. From September 9 to 11, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. will conduct joint military drills to test readiness against potential threats from North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs. Wi highlighted the need to deepen cooperation with Washington on various issues, including South Korean investment in the U.S. under a trade deal, the treatment of the U.S.-listed e-commerce firm Coupang, security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the transfer of wartime operational control.