Korean Peninsula
Lee vows diplomatic efforts for North Korea-US talks resumption
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President Lee Jae Myung pledged on Wednesday to make diplomatic efforts to swiftly resume talks between North Korea and the United States, while creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue. Speaking at a nationally televised New Year's press conference in Seoul, he emphasized a pragmatic approach to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Lee also vowed to restore the 2018 Sept. 19 military agreement suspended amid recent escalations.
Following Kim Yo-jong's January 14 demand for an apology over alleged South Korean drone incursions, North Korea acknowledged Seoul's denial of military involvement, while South Korea advanced investigations and reaffirmed tension-easing efforts through January 16, including new policy channels.
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North Korea's Kim Yo-jong demanded a detailed explanation from South Korea on January 11 over drone incursions accused on January 10, despite Seoul's denial of military involvement and launch of an investigation into possible private actors. The exchange risks escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea on Saturday denounced this week's annual security talks between South Korea and the United States as an 'intentional' expression of the allies' 'hostile' nature against it, vowing to take 'more offensive' actions against enemy threats. North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol's statement highlighted recent joint air drills and the visit to South Korea by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington. The remarks came a day after North Korea fired a suspected short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea.
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South Korea's defense intelligence agency indicates that North Korea is prepared to conduct its seventh nuclear test promptly if leader Kim Jong-un decides, lawmakers said. The test, using the No. 3 tunnel at Punggye-ri, could happen in a short time and would be the first since 2017. Pyongyang is also intensifying efforts to secure nuclear materials and build warhead manufacturing facilities.