▲ Kim Min-seok, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, delivers his policy address at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sept. 7, 2026. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- The leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Monday called for strengthening South Korea's independent security capabilities, citing the possibility of a shift toward a "freeze-first" approach to North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Rep. Kim Min-seok made the call in his policy address to the National Assembly session, stressing the need for Seoul to facilitate dialogue between the United States and North Korea while actively responding to possible changes in their relations.

"Considering the possibility that the United States and North Korea may achieve a dramatic improvement in relations and if by any chance, a 'freeze-first, resolve-later' approach could be adopted on the North Korean nuclear issue, South Korea must strengthen its independent security capabilities in advance," Kim said.

"The days when South Korea could depend solely on the United States are over," Kim added, noting that Washington is choosing to become "a tough negotiating partner rather than a generous big brother."

Kim also said Seoul should consider whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "two-state" policy could be used to promote peaceful coexistence rather than dismissing it entirely.

On domestic issues, Kim pledged to push for a constitutional revision that reflects public consensus, while vowing to prioritize people's livelihoods and promote balanced regional development.

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