President Lee Jae Myung on July 3 explained his stance on policy toward North Korea, saying, "Based on the basic foundation of our alliance with the U.S. and our trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan,

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday that the country is working hard to strike a trade deal with the United States on impending tariffs but expressed uncertainty about when talks would be concluded.

President Lee Jae-myung seeks renewed inter-Korean engagement, but North Korea’s hostility and closer ties with Russia limit prospects. Realistic, security-focused steps may reduce tensions without expecting immediate breakthroughs.