South Korea's Lee urges US to ease North Korea sanctions to freeze nuclear programs, NYT says

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for the United States to reduce sanctions on North Korea in exchange for an agreement that would require Pyongyang to halt its nuclear weapons development, according to The New York Times. Lee argued that current sanctions are ineffective and that freezing nuclear programs would be a better approach.

He stated that once a nuclear weapons freeze is achieved, trust can be built through reciprocal measures, potentially leading to North Korea reducing its nuclear arsenal. Lee expressed concern that North Korea could, once it believes it has enough nuclear weapons and missiles to ensure its survival, export them for financial gain, creating a "truly dangerous moment."

The South Korean leader has shifted away from a "denuclearization first" policy in favor of a "peace first" approach towards North Korea. However, relations between the two nations remain tense, with North Korea rejecting Korean reunification and increasing its military defenses. US President Donald Trump is attempting to arrange a new meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Lee expressed interest in participating in these talks.

Lee plans to present his vision for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula during the United Nations General Assembly this week.