▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference for the new year held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ President Lee Jae Myung fields reporters' questions during a press conference for the new year held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) Lee-press conference

(LEAD) Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of N. Korea-U.S. talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue

(ATTN: ADDS remarks, details; RECASTS headline, lead para)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he will make diplomatic efforts to help North Korea and the United States swiftly resume bilateral talks while implementing measures to create conditions for a resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.

"As a pacemaker, we will make diplomatic efforts to ensure that North Korea-U.S. dialogue will soon take place and create conditions for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue," Lee said in a nationally televised press conference for the new year.

"The sharp chill will not thaw all at once, but we will consistently pursue feasible measures to draw a response from the North and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula," Lee said.

Lee also vowed to take steps to restore the Sept. 19 military agreement signed in 2018 between former President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The pact was fully suspended in 2024 amid heightened tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang.

"We will restore the Sept. 19 military agreement to prevent accidental clashes between the South and the North and to build political and military trust," Lee said, adding that South Korea "will also continue to consider creative solutions through which peace can benefit both Koreas."

Asked about how he would improve relations with North Korea, Lee replied that South Korea would make utmost efforts to build a "situation where peaceful coexistence is possible."

Lee said a pragmatic approach is needed to deal with North Korea, citing the North's advancement of nuclear capabilities.

"Nuclear materials capable of producing 10 to 20 nuclear weapons a year continue to be produced (in North Korea) and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology is still advancing," he said.

Lee reiterated his three-stage, phased road map for denuclearization of North Korea's nuclear program.

"It would be beneficial if no additional nuclear material is produced, if such material is not transferred abroad, and if ICBM technology is no longer developed," he said. "We should not abandon our ideals, but pursue realistic negotiations to halt the program, reduce it, and move toward denuclearization in the long term."

Lee reaffirmed his commitment to "a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula" based on the robust alliance with the U.S., strong self-reliant defense capabilities and pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests.

Lee has offered to resume stalled talks with the North, but Pyongyang has rebuffed his peace overtures. Tensions remain high after the North accused the South of sending drones into its territory and demanded an apology from Seoul.

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