{
  "id": 9058516,
  "title": "President Lee plans to call for phased denuclearization of N. Korea at UN",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/president-lee-plans-to-call-for-phased-denuclearization-of-n-korea-at-9058516",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T02:07:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/northkorea/20260922/president-lee-plans-to-call-for-phased-denuclearization-of-n-korea-at-un"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korea's liberal President Lee Jae Myung intends to emphasize the necessity for a practical, step-by-step process of denuclearization of North Korea during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, according to statements made to The Associated Press. Lee suggests that both Seoul and Washington are open to reestablishing relations with Pyongyang.\n\nIn response to inquiries, Lee elaborated on his stance, comparing the process of altering the trajectory of a moving vehicle to the need for halting it first. He articulated that a phased approach encompassing cessation, reduction, and dismantlement presents a pragmatic method for effectively addressing the North Korean nuclear issue.\n\nThis stance of Lee's emerges as North Korea escalates its weapons testing activities despite President Donald Trump reducing a major military exercise with South Korea, perceived by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a rehearsal for invasion. Lee's advocacy for phased denuclearization of North Korea arises from the complexities surrounding North Korea's evolving nuclear program, questioning whether its denuclearization can be accomplished in a single step, and fueling discussions on the importance of convincing North Korea to embark on such a path.",
  "summary": "South Korea's liberal President Lee Jae Myung says he’ll underscore the need for a practical, step-by-step denuclearization of North Korea during this week’s U.N. General Assembly, adding that both Seoul and Washington are willing to reengage with Pyongyang. “To change the direction of a moving vehicle, it must be brought to a halt first,” Lee said in written responses to questions by The…",
  "key_points": [
    "President Lee Jae Myung plans to call for phased denuclearization of North Korea at UN.",
    "Lee emphasizes practical, step-by-step process of denuclearization.",
    "Advocates cessation, reduction, and dismantlement of North Korean nuclear program."
  ],
  "editors_take": "President Lee's plan for phased denuclearization of North Korea signals a pragmatic shift in approach, prioritizing a series of incremental steps over a single, decisive action.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "President Lee plans to call for phased denuclearization of N. Korea at UN",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/president-lee-plans-to-call-for-phased-denuclearization-of-n-korea-at",
        "published": "2026-09-22T01:57:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}