South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on the United States to ease sanctions on North Korea in exchange for a freeze on its nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missile programs, signaling a departure from decades of traditional policy toward Pyongyang.

In an interview ahead of his visit to the United Nations this week, Lee emphasized the strategic value in trading sanctions, which he described as largely ineffective, for a halt to North Korea’s weapons development. He argued that diplomatic engagement is the only viable path forward, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing stalemate.

“Under the current circumstances, aiming for complete denuclearization guarantees that nothing will be accomplished,” Lee said, underscoring his belief that a step-by-step approach starting with a freeze could pave the way to building trust and eventually reducing Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. The ultimate goal, he explained, is to create a security environment in which North Korea no longer feels compelled to rely on nuclear weapons for survival.

Lee’s call comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea increasingly displaying advanced missile capabilities and deepening ties with Russia and China. After deploying troops and weapons in support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has also moved to strengthen connectivity with its northern neighbors by opening new bridges on its borders with Russia and China. Meanwhile, inter-Korean relations remain strained, with North Korea dismantling roads and rail connections and reinforcing defensive barriers along their shared border.

Lee singled out former U.S. President Donald Trump as the only foreign leader likely to persuade North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to engage seriously in talks. South Korean officials view Trump as the figure most capable of facilitating a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War and normalizing diplomatic ties between Washington and Pyongyang. While some analysts consider this outlook optimistic, Lee contended that diplomacy remains the only alternative to continued tension.

The president also faces domestic challenges, with his approval ratings declining amid concerns over rising housing costs and recent stock market volatility. Additionally, Lee is navigating complex trade relations with the United States following a recent agreement in which South Korea pledged $350 billion in investment in return for tariff reductions. Efforts to meet these commitments include potential projects to build gas and nuclear power plants in the U.S.

Lee defended South Korea’s refusal to join the U.S.-led approach toward Iran, citing constitutional constraints that prevent troop deployment to foreign conflicts without parliamentary approval. The president emphasized the necessity of a balanced foreign policy amid ongoing global geopolitical shifts.

Analysts remain divided on the prospects for renewed North Korea-U.S. dialogue. Stephen E. Biegun, a former U.S. envoy for North Korea, has supported the idea of negotiating a freeze or slowdown of North Korea’s nuclear program. In contrast, some experts caution that Trump’s interest in engagement with Kim might be motivated by personal or political considerations rather than substantive peace efforts.

Lee warned of the increasing risks posed by North Korea’s expanding nuclear arsenal, estimating the country may be producing between 10 to 20 additional nuclear weapons annually. He cautioned that once Pyongyang attains a sufficient deterrent capability, it may be tempted to export weapons to generate revenue, a development he described as a grave threat.

With regional dynamics shifting and diplomatic channels largely stalled, Lee’s proposals highlight the growing urgency of addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions through renewed, pragmatic engagement.