President Lee: "Trump's Decision Creates Possibility for Change on Korean Peninsula... Conditions Must Be Set for US-North Korea Dialogue"

"We Will Fully Assume Responsibility as a Direct Party by Regaining Wartime Operational Control"
Urges National Unification Advisory Council Advisors in the Americas to Pursue Peaceful Public Diplomacy
"Inter-Korean Dialogue Has Been Stalled for Sev

On September 2, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "Given that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision has created at least some possibility for change on the Korean Peninsula, we must create conditions conducive to constructive discussions for building trust and resuming dialogue between North Korea and the United States." Regarding leadership on Korean Peninsula issues, he particularly emphasized, "Peace on the peninsula is not just our own concern," and added, "As a direct party bearing this great responsibility, we will fully fulfill our duty by reclaiming wartime operational control."

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering an encouragement speech at the 22nd Korean American National Coordinating Council meeting held at Inspire Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon on September 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

At the 22nd Americas Regional Meeting of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council held at Inspire Resort in Incheon that day, President Lee remarked, "This is a core issue for the security of Northeast Asia nearby, and for global peace at large."

Assessing the current state of the Korean Peninsula, President Lee observed, "We have 10,000 Korean companies operating around the world, and it is said that 50 million people travel to and from Korea each year." Nevertheless, he noted, "North and South Korea, who should be closest, remain completely cut off from each other." He continued, "We are wasting our collective strength by confronting each other instead of moving forward together," describing the situation as "truly unfortunate and a tragic reality that must be changed."

He reiterated his vision for peaceful coexistence, which he presented during the recent Liberation Day address. President Lee spoke of "inclusive and actionable peaceful coexistence," "stable peaceful coexistence ensured by eliminating sources of mutual tension," and "responsible peaceful coexistence that achieves peace on the peninsula and contributes to world peace," saying, "We have now set the milestone—it's time to move forward."

He also stressed the need to create an inter-Korean relationship that remains resilient regardless of changes in domestic politics or the international situation. President Lee commented, "To establish stable and responsible peaceful coexistence, we must institutionalize peace as a structural element," adding, "We must fundamentally transform the current armistice regime, which is based on confrontation, into a peace regime based on cooperation and prosperity, to prevent the recurrence of tension due to shifts in domestic politics or international dynamics."

He called on advisors in the Americas to actively engage in "public diplomacy for peace," expanding international support for peace on the Korean Peninsula in their countries of residence, including the United States. President Lee said, "Communication with local experts, legislatures, and citizens is extremely important," and expressed his hope that they would also actively participate in the Million Global Citizens Interview, a core project of the 22nd Council. He added, "If you convey the value of peace in your own lives, I am confident that global citizens will also become companions on the path to Korean Peninsula peace."

Above all, President Lee repeatedly stressed the importance of building the capability to determine the future of the Korean Peninsula on its own. "We are not only the main actors but also the key stakeholders in peace on the peninsula," he said. "Our words will carry weight only when we make our own judgments and take action on our own. The Republic of Korea has that power." He continued, "We have transformed from an aid-recipient nation to a donor nation, and Korea is the country that achieved the fastest democratization and industrialization in the world." He added, "Now, Korea has become an irreplaceable nation to which the world reaches out first."

He also called for patience and continuous efforts to restore inter-Korean relations. President Lee stated, "Inter-Korean dialogue has been at a standstill for seven years. The walls have grown higher and the path forward is unclear," but he added, "We must keep moving forward; as we take the lead, a path will open. That, I believe, is the responsibility and mission of our generation."

President Lee Jae-myung is performing the 'Pledge of Peace, Promise of Action' with attendees at the 22nd term of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council's Americas Region Meeting held at Inspire Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon on September 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

President Lee further highlighted the role of Korean Americans by recalling the history of Korean immigration, beginning 123 years ago when people departed from Jemulpo Port in Incheon bound for Hawaii and Mexico. "There was no established path for those who left Jemulpo Port 123 years ago," he remarked. "They forged their own way forward. Just as our predecessors supported independence, I believe this generation will take action to achieve peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula."

He continued, "Although it seems a very long time has passed since the division of the peninsula and interest has waned, when viewed through the lens of history, our separation has in fact been quite brief." He added, "Let’s work together so that future generations can live happy lives in a unified, peaceful, and safe nation."

Meanwhile, this event marks the second overseas regional meeting of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, held over four days from September 1 to 4 under the theme 'Global Solidarity for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.' On the second day, today's Peaceful Coexistence Policy Dialogue took place under the slogan 'Pledge of Peace, Promise of Action.' Around 750 advisors from 24 countries in North, Central, and South America attended on-site, while about 600 advisors participated online.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.