President Lee vows to pursue peace on Korean Peninsula through dialogue based on firm deterrence

President Lee Jae Myung pledged on Tuesday to persist in promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue grounded in firm deterrence. The South Korean leader delivered these comments via a video message during the inauguration of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD). He emphasized the necessity for enhanced security collaboration amidst unprecedented and intricate challenges in the realm of international security.

Lee reiterated his commitment to persistently strive for peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity on the Korean Peninsula via trust and dialogue founded on firm deterrence. He further stated that South Korea is diligently expanding the scope for dialogue on peace and prosperity through mutual respect and cooperation, anchored in its autonomous defense capabilities.

Lee cautioned that conflicts and armed confrontations persist across the globe, while the global nuclear nonproliferation regime, which has been instrumental in maintaining global peace for decades, is also facing significant erosion. He highlighted the rapid advancements in technologies, such as artificial intelligence, which are also contributing to the evolving security landscape.