|
Quotes of the Day:
"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."
– Bill Gates
"The strength of a society is its commitment to justice and equality." (and) "The greatness of a society is measured by its commitment to justice/"
– John Locke
"We'll go down in history as the first society that wouldn't save itself because it wasn't cost-effective."
– Kurt Vonnegut
1. North Korea vows to bolster nuclear force as US, allies push for denuclearization
2. Donald Trump And North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Program – Analysis
3. Close communication ongoing after China protests S. Korea's support for Taiwan's int'l participation: gov't
4. S. Korea vows stern response against Japan's repeated Dokdo claims
5. S. Korea says 'closely' monitoring developments on negotiations to end Ukraine war
6. Prosecutors raid office of defense ministry in martial law probe
7. DeepSeek sent S. Korean user data to China's ByteDance: regulator
8. South Korea deploys new missile to counter North Korean artillery threats
9. N. Korea to keep bolstering nuclear force, criticizes U.S. for pursuing 'outdated' denuclearization goal
10. S. Korea aims to recover remains of 220 soldiers killed during Korean War in 2025
11. Yoon supporters hold protest rallies outside of judge's alleged home
12. U.S.-based Direct Relief wins Seoul Peace Prize
13. Military deploys new homegrown bunker buster missile amid N.K. threats
14. Families of abductees pressure Japan for stronger action against North Korea
15. Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize, says South Korean lawmaker
16. National Assembly speaker meets acting U.S. envoy to discuss China, bilateral ties, Trump
17. Differing approaches to denuclearization: US and NK perspectives
1. North Korea vows to bolster nuclear force as US, allies push for denuclearization
Is north Korea conducting political warfare and blackmail diplomacy to set the conditions for the negotiations it knows that the US wants? What concessions will Kim demand for coming to the table and what concessions is the US willing to give? (I hope the answer is none, otherwise it means a win for Kim Jong Un for his political warfare and blackmail diplomacy). We must execute a superior political warfare strategy.
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
North Korea vows to bolster nuclear force as US, allies push for denuclearization
But Washington said it still remained open to dialogue.
By Taejun Kang for RFA
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/02/18/north-korea-us-japan-denuclearization/
2025.02.18
People watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing multiple short-range missiles, in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2025.
(Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)
TAIPEI, Taiwan – North Korea said Tuesday it will stick to its policy of bolstering its nuclear forces, days after the United States, Japan and South Korea reaffirmed their goal of the complete denuclearization of the North.
The top diplomats of the U.S. and its two Asian allies on Saturday also decried “systematic, widespread and gross” violations of human rights in the reclusive state.
The North’s foreign ministry dismissed denuclearization as an “unrealistic and failed concept,” condemning U.S. policies as “shortsighted,” as reported by its state-run Korea Central News Agency on Tuesday.
North Korea will “consistently adhere to the new line of bolstering up the nuclear force” and “thoroughly deter the U.S. and its vassal forces from threats and blackmail” by making use of all political and military tools at its disposal, the ministry added.
It also warned that any provocation would be met with decisive countermeasures, framing its nuclear program as essential for peace, sovereignty and self-defense.
US ‘openness for dialogue’
South Korea’s foreign ministry said last week’s trilateral talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul sent a “strong” warning against North Korean provocations and stressed their commitment to reinforcing the global sanctions regime against it.
The ministry added the U.S. reaffirmed its “ironclad” security commitments to South Korea and Japan, “backed by America’s unmatched military strength, including its nuclear capabilities.”
But the U.S. Department of State said in a statement following a separate meeting between Rubio and Cho that the U.S. remained “open” to a dialogue with the North – an element omitted from the South Korean statement.
“Secretary Rubio reaffirmed America’s commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK while expressing the Trump administration’s openness to dialogue,” the department said, without elaborating.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK, is the official name of North Korea.
The South has not commented on the U.S. statement.
RELATED STORIES
North Korea demolishes facility for family reunions: Seoul
Russia supports US-North Korea dialogue, envoy says
North Korea vows to bolster nuclear forces as US, Japan hold summit
The inconsistency raised concern in Japan where its leader said there should be no divergence among the three allies on North Korea.
“Maintaining the regime is North Korea’s core national interest, and we must seriously consider how to separate this from the issue of its nuclear possession,” said Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday during a parliamentary session in response to a question about the U.S. stance on North Korea and its implication for cooperation between the U.S., Japan and South Korea.
“We must ensure continued cooperation and communication among Japan, the U.S., and South Korea on achieving complete denuclearization while addressing North Korea’s demands for security guarantees,” Ishiba noted.
Edited by Mike Firn.
2. Donald Trump And North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Program – Analysis
Conclusion:
The rapidly developing nuclear capabilities of North Korea have been an issue of deep concern to the US. This also reflects the failure of all previous American administrations to get rid of the North Korean nuclear arsenal. The advent of the second Trump administration has raised hopes for a solution on this issue. However, there has not been any major shift in Trump’s policy towards the North Korean nuclear weapons programme. For its part, the Kim dynasty regime in Pyongyang has been strengthening its nuclear weapons capabilities and has been critical about the policies of second Trump administration. Therefore, it appears that North Korea’s denuclearisation shall remain only a propaganda campaign for the US and Pyongyang would not abandon its nuclear weapons programme.
Donald Trump And North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Program – Analysis
https://www.eurasiareview.com/17022025-donald-trump-and-north-koreas-nuclear-weapons-program-analysis/?utm
February 17, 2025 0 Comments
By Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA)
By Ranjit Kumar Dhawan
Introduction
The Donald Trump administration after coming to power on 20 January 2025 expressed its desire to improve relations with the Kim dynasty regime in North Korea.[1] Notably, on the day after his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Trump termed North Korea a “nuclear power” state, which caused apprehensions in South Korea.[2] However, during his meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba on 7 February 2025, Trump called for “complete denuclearisation” of North Korea.[3]
On the other hand, the North Korean regime has not yet responded to Trump’s gesture for restarting dialogue between the two countries. In the backdrop of the newly inaugurated second Trump administration, the Kim regime has been bolstering its nuclear weapons programme and has tested a more sophisticated cruise missile system. According to some analysts, Pyongyang will remain hostile towards the United States in 2025.[4] Also, contrary to the expectations of President Trump, North Korea would probably not give up its nuclear weapons programme.
North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Programme and the United States
The enmity between North Korea and the US dates back to the Cold War period of intense ideological rivalry between capitalism and communism. The US played a key role in the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1945, and also militarily supported South Korea during the Korean War (1950–1953), which ended only with an armistice. The brutalities committed by the American army and threat to use nuclear weapons during the Korean War shaped North Korea’s approach towards the US. The American military bases on the Korean Peninsula and stationing of tactical nuclear weapons by the US in South Korea during the Cold War were also opposed by North Korea.
In the post-Cold War period, North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme gained momentum. The nuclear programme was guided by Pyongyang’s goal for achieving self-reliance or Juche in the field of national defence.[5] Despite being a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), North Korea secretly pursued the development of nuclear arsenal. In its pursuit of developing nuclear weapons technology, North Korea received some help from Pakistan.[6] Since 2006, North Korea has tested various kinds of nuclear devices, and has been developing long-range ballistic missiles which are apparently capable of reaching North America and could target the mainland US.
The US has been strongly opposed to the North Korean nuclear weapons programme and has imposed severe economic sanctions against this reclusive regime. However, the fears of massive causalities and escalation of the conflict had deterred various administrations in the US to take pre-emptive strikes against the North Korean nuclear facilities. Remarkably, the previous Donald Trump administration in 2017 had even threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea. But the three rounds of meetings between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during 2018–2019 remained unsuccessful. Notably, the current Trump administration has again pledged for North Korea’s denuclearisation.
Why North Korea Will Not Denuclearise?
A few days after the inauguration of the second Trump administration, the North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong-un made a visit to a secret weapons-grade nuclear materials manufacturing facility in North Korea, where he called for the reinforcing of the “nuclear shield of the country”.[7] The North Korean state media also stated that the nuclear weapons of the country should not be regarded as a “bargaining chip”.[8] Further, Kim Jong-un on the occasion of the 77th founding anniversary of the (North) Korean People’s Army on 8 February 2025, spoke about the threats from the US as the reason for bolstering North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme.[9] Therefore, it appears that North Korea is not interested in negotiations with the US to curb its nuclear arsenal.
Firstly, the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war since 2022 has provided useful lessons to the Kim dynasty regime in Pyongyang against denuclearisation. Also, North Korea and Russia signed a treaty on ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ for mutual defence in June 2024. As a result, the military engagement between Pyongyang and Moscow has increased significantly. Reportedly, North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine, and has also provided Moscow with several tonnes of conventional weapons. In return, North Korea has apparently received rice, money and cutting-edge military reconnaissance satellite technology from Russia.[10] North Korea has also been treating Russian soldiers wounded in combat operations against Ukraine.[11] Also, there is a possibility that Moscow may even accept Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons development programme.[12]
Secondly, the Trump administration’s approach for peace with North Korea has not been accompanied with any significant effort for reduction in tensions between the two countries. Evidently, the military exercises between the US and South Korea have continued unabated since Trump took office in January 2025. On the other hand, North Korea has continued to be critical of the US–South Korea military alliance, including sale of weapons to Seoul by Washington.[13] Also, the visit of an American nuclear-powered submarine to Busan in South Korea in February 2025 triggered angry response from North Korea.[14] Moreover, the comment by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding North Korea as a “rogue state” was also vehemently criticised by Pyongyang.[15]
Thirdly, North Korea’s relations with South Korea have undergone profound changes since 2024. The Kim dynasty regime in North Korea has abolished the idea of reunification of the Korean Peninsula, and has probably amended its constitution to regard South Korea as a “hostile state”.[16] North Korea has also destroyed roads and railway links with South Korea as part of Pyongyang’s ‘two hostile states’ policy.[17] Therefore, South Korea is now a ‘separate and enemy’ country for North Korea. Arguably, this strategy of Pyongyang towards Seoul is to push South Korea to compromise and accept North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme.[18]
Conclusion
The rapidly developing nuclear capabilities of North Korea have been an issue of deep concern to the US. This also reflects the failure of all previous American administrations to get rid of the North Korean nuclear arsenal. The advent of the second Trump administration has raised hopes for a solution on this issue. However, there has not been any major shift in Trump’s policy towards the North Korean nuclear weapons programme. For its part, the Kim dynasty regime in Pyongyang has been strengthening its nuclear weapons capabilities and has been critical about the policies of second Trump administration. Therefore, it appears that North Korea’s denuclearisation shall remain only a propaganda campaign for the US and Pyongyang would not abandon its nuclear weapons programme.
Views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or of the Government of India.
- About the author: Dr. Ranjit Kumar Dhawan is an Associate Fellow in the East Asia Centre at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi, India.
-
Source: This article was published by the Manohar Parrikar IDSA
[1] Yonhap, “Trump Says He Will Reach Out to N. Korea’s Kim Jong-Un Again”, The Korea Times, 24 January 2025.
[2] Lee Hyo-jin, “Trump’s ‘Nuclear Power’ Reference to Pyongyang Alarms Seoul”, The Korea Times, 21 January 2025.
[3] Lim Jeong-Won, “South Korea ‘Welcomes’ U.S, Japanese Leaders’ Call for North’s ‘Complete Denuclearization’”, Korea JoongAng Daily, 9 February 2025.
[4] Kwak Yeon-soo, “NK Expected to Maintain Hostile Stance toward US, South Korea in 2025: Experts”, The Korea Times, 4 February 2025.
[5] Edward Howell, “The Juche H-Bomb? North Korea, Nuclear Weapons and Regime-State Survival”, International Affairs, Vol. 96, No. 4, July 2020, pp. 1051–1068.
[6] Ranjit Kumar Dhawan, “India’s Policy towards the North Korean Nuclear Weapons Program”, International Journal of Korean Unification Studies, Vol. 29, No. 1, 2020, pp. 135–159.
[7] “Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Nuclear-material Production Base and Nuclear Weapons Institute”, KCNA, 29 January 2025.
[8] Yonhap, “North Korea Says Its Nuclear Weapons Are Not Bargaining Chip”, The Korea Herald, 8 February 2025.
[9] “Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Pays Congratulatory Visit to Ministry of National Defence on Day of KPA Founding”, KCNA, 9 February 2025.
[10] Kim Arin, “$200m A Year, 700,000 Tons of Rice, Space Tech: The Deal for North Korea in Joining Russia’s War”, The Korea Herald, 3 November 2024.
[11] Seo Ji-Eun, “Russian Troops Injured in Ukraine Receiving Treatment in North Korea, Says Moscow’s Envoy to Pyongyang”, Korea JoongAng Daily, 11 February 2025.
[12] Yonhap, “U.S. Warns Russia May Accept North Korea’s Nuclear Program, Reversing Denuclearization Stance”, Korea JoongAng Daily, 19 December 2024.
[13] Yonhap, “North Korea Calls U.S. Weapons Sales to South ‘Attempt to Destroy the Balance of Power’”, Korea JoongAng Daily, 2 February 2025.
[14] “Press Statement of Spokesperson for DPRK Ministry of National Defence”, KCNA, 11 February 2025.
[15] “Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry Issues Press Statement”, KCNA, 3 February 2025.
[16] “Roads and Railways to ROK Completely Blocked: KCNA Report”, KCNA, 17 October 2024.
[17] Yonhap, “N. Korea to Cut Off Roads, Railways Connected to S. Korea”, The Korea Times, 9 October 2024.
[18] Ji Da-gyum, “NK’s Gradual Unveiling of Constitutionalizing ‘2 Hostile Koreas’ Exposes Dilemma: Experts”, The Korea Herald, 13 November 2024.
Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA)
The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), is a non-partisan, autonomous body dedicated to objective research and policy relevant studies on all aspects of defence and security. Its mission is to promote national and international security through the generation and dissemination of knowledge on defence and security-related issues. The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) was formerly named The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).
3. Close communication ongoing after China protests S. Korea's support for Taiwan's int'l participation: gov't
Is South Korea standing up to China here? Will South Korean friends, partners, and allies stand by South Korea if China initiates economic warfare against the South as it did over THAAD?
Close communication ongoing after China protests S. Korea's support for Taiwan's int'l participation: gov't | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and China are maintaining close communication, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, after Beijing protested Seoul's support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
During a trilateral meeting with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, Foreign Ministry Cho Tae-yul expressed joint "support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations."
China's foreign ministry has since said it lodged a diplomatic complaint with the relevant nations, expressing objections to any interference with its sovereignty.
"South Korea and China always maintain close communication on matters of mutual interest, under the shared understanding that careful management is needed to prevent standalone issues from affecting their bilateral relationship," foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said during a press briefing.
Lee also said the recent suspension of services in South Korea by the Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek was the result of discussions between the government and the app's operator.
Starting on Saturday, services of DeepSeek were suspended in South Korea until necessary improvements and remedies are made in accordance with the local personal data protection law, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced the previous day. China's foreign ministry subsequently warned Seoul against turning economic and technology issues into security and political ones.
"The latest temporary suspension of DeepSeek's domestic services is not the result of South Korea's unilateral, direct suspension, but a temporary measure (taken) through prior communication between the PIPC and China's DeepSeek," Lee stated.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong speaks during a press conference on Feb. 13, 2025. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 18, 2025
4. S. Korea vows stern response against Japan's repeated Dokdo claims
Two steps back? Both nations just can't help themselves when it comes to DokDo/Takeshima/Liancourt Rocks.
S. Korea vows stern response against Japan's repeated Dokdo claims | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Tuesday it will take stern action against Japan's repeated territorial claim to South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo, as Tokyo is set to send a senior government official to a regional event marking its territorial claim to the islets.
"We will firmly and sternly respond to any unlawful claim by Japan over Dokdo," foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong told a regular press briefing.
"No territorial dispute exists over Dokdo," Lee said, reaffirming that the rocky islets are clearly South Korea's territory in terms of history, geography and international law.
Lee's remarks came as some Japanese municipalities are planning to hold an annual ceremony commemorating Takeshima, the Japanese name for Dokdo, on Saturday. A vice ministerial-level official from the Japanese government is expected to attend the upcoming event.
Dokdo has long been a recurring source of tension between the two neighbors, as Tokyo continues to make the sovereignty claims in its policy papers, public statements and school textbooks.
South Korea maintains a small police detachment on the islets, effectively controlling them.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong speaks during a press briefing in Seoul on Feb. 13, 2025. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · February 18, 2025
5. S. Korea says 'closely' monitoring developments on negotiations to end Ukraine war
S. Korea says 'closely' monitoring developments on negotiations to end Ukraine war | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is "closely" monitoring developments related to efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday, as the United States and Russia will hold talks on the matter this week.
A ministry official made the remark as top U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later in the day to discuss ending the nearly three-year war.
"With a high level of interest in efforts to end the war, the government is closely monitoring developments related to such negotiations," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The official said Seoul would cooperate with friendly countries for the "swift" restoration of peace and reconstruction of Ukraine, adding that it plans to continue providing support to Kyiv.
South Korea has provided humanitarian and nonlethal aid to Ukraine since the outbreak of the war in February 2022.
Buildings targeted in Russian air strikes are seen in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 17, 2025. (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · February 18, 2025
6. Prosecutors raid office of defense ministry in martial law probe
Prosecutors raid office of defense ministry in martial law probe | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Hyun-soo · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Tuesday raided an office of the defense ministry, as part of their probe into President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed bid to impose martial law.
The defense ministry's office has been suspected of helping martial law troops find routes in the National Assembly compound on the night of the martial law imposition on Dec. 3.
The office had been originally tasked with making contact and cooperation between the ministry and the National Assembly.
Prosecutors suspect that former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun ordered Lt. Gen. Lee Jin-woo, commander of the Capital Defense Command, to seek help from the head of the ministry's office for the botched martial law bid.
This file photo shows martial law troops entering the National Assembly on the night President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. (Yonhap)
sookim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Hyun-soo · February 18, 2025
7. DeepSeek sent S. Korean user data to China's ByteDance: regulator
DeepSeek sent S. Korean user data to China's ByteDance: regulator | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Hyun-soo · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's data protection regulator has confirmed that the DeepSeek chatbot, developed by a China-based artificial intelligence startup, sent the nation's user data to a third party, the Chinese owner of TikTok, ByteDance, according to officials Tuesday.
The confirmation came a day after the regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), announced it has temporarily suspended new downloads of DeepSeek in South Korea over concerns about its data collection practices.
"We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance," a PIPC official said.
However, the official said the PIPC has "yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent."
It was the first time the regulator confirmed potential leaks of user data by DeepSeek to a third party.
Under South Korean law, explicit consent is required from a user if the user's personal information is provided to a third party.
The PIPC also sent a formal inquiry to DeepSeek seeking clarification on the service's data collection and management methods.
In response, DeepSeek has since assigned a representative in South Korea and acknowledged shortcomings in considering local protection laws while also expressing its will to actively cooperate with the commission.
The DeepSeek login page (Yonhap)
sookim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Hyun-soo · February 18, 2025
8. South Korea deploys new missile to counter North Korean artillery threats
South Korea deploys new missile to counter North Korean artillery threats
Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile is advanced precision-guided weapon designed to defend greater Seoul area
https://www.nknews.org/2025/02/south-korea-deploys-new-missile-to-counter-north-korean-artillery-threats/
Joon Ha Park February 18, 2025
The ROK's Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile in action | Image: ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff
South Korea has deployed a new tactical missile system designed to precisely target North Korea’s long-range artillery and command centers in the event of conflict, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced Tuesday.
The Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile (KTSSM), officially nicknamed “Ure (우레),” meaning thunder, is an advanced precision-guided weapon system designed to quickly neutralize North Korean long-range artillery threatening the greater Seoul metropolitan area, according to the JCS press release.
The military also stated that the system can be fitted with thermobaric warheads (열압력탄두), which are designed to destroy tunnels and other hardened underground structures.
The weapon was domestically developed in response to North Korea’s Nov. 2010 artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island, specifically to destroy North Korean 240mm multiple rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled guns located in reinforced concrete underground bunkers.
The JCS added that the deployment of the KTSSM is expected to provide a decisive capability to swiftly neutralize enemy long-range artillery, thereby deterring potential provocations by significantly undermining the adversary’s willingness to engage in hostilities.
The military emphasized that, under a strong U.S.-ROK combined defense posture, they will remain vigilant in monitoring North Korea’s military activities and maintain a state of readiness to deliver an overwhelming response to any provocations.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes as DPRK weapons shell targets on the west coast in March 2024 | Image: KCNA, edited by NK News
Shin Seung-ki, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), told NK News that the KTSSM is launched from fixed, ground-based platforms, enabling rapid strikes in case of a contingency.
He said the missile has a maximum range of 112 miles (180 kilometers) and can hit targets as far as the southern region of Pyongyang. Its primary mission is to disrupt and destroy key artillery units and underground missile facilities, particularly those located in North Korean corps-level military areas.
The DPRK’s long-range artillery units, deployed along the western to eastern frontlines, pose a direct threat to the Seoul metropolitan area, with an estimated 570 long-range artillery pieces capable of delivering a barrage on the capital. Pyongyang last placed its eight frontline artillery brigades on full combat readiness in response to an alleged South Korean drone intrusion in Oct. 2024, giving instructions to conduct “immediate strikes on specific enemy targets.”
“North Korea’s artillery units often operate from within tunnels,” Shin of KIDA said. “They fire their weapons and then retreat into these underground positions. The KTSSM’s thermobaric warheads can penetrate these tunnels, collapsing the structures and preventing follow-up strikes.”
Beyond thermobaric warheads, the KIDA expert also outlined that the KTSSM can also be fitted with high-explosive warheads, allowing the system to adapt to various operational scenarios.
“This flexibility makes the KTSSM a versatile addition to South Korea’s missile arsenal, whether targeting artillery positions, underground bunkers, or other fixed military infrastructure, the missile can be configured accordingly,” he said, emphasizing the the KTSSM’s key role in South Korea’s Kill Chain preemptive strike framework against Pyongyang’s threats.
“South Korea’s deployment of KTSSM missiles presents a significant challenge for North Korea, as it increases the threat to artillery assets positioned south of Pyongyang,” Shin said.
He noted that the system’s rapid response capability could make it more difficult for Pyongyang to carry out follow-up strikes after an initial attack.
However, Shin also cautioned against overstating its impact, noting that the introduction of the KTSSM is unlikely to exert substantial additional pressure on Pyongyang as it simultaneously “presses ahead with its own nuclear and missile programs in an effort to offset the South’s developments.”
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration is investing $2.2 billion to develop an upgraded version of the missile, known as the KTSSM-II.
The new variant is reportedly expected to be vehicle-mounted, with an extended range of up to 300 kilometers, enhanced penetration capabilities and improved survivability. The system is being designed to target key long-range threats, including underground tunnel networks and fortified military installations and is scheduled for completion by Dec. 2027.
Edited by Alannah Hill
9. N. Korea to keep bolstering nuclear force, criticizes U.S. for pursuing 'outdated' denuclearization goal
Here is something that Kim and I agree on: he is not going to denuclearize and US policy on nuclear is outdated.
My take (which Kim will not agree with): Unification first then denuclearization; the path to unification is through human rights.
(2nd LD) N. Korea to keep bolstering nuclear force, criticizes U.S. for pursuing 'outdated' denuclearization goal | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 18, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS assessment in last 3 paras)
By Park Boram
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said it will adhere to bolstering its nuclear force, criticizing the United States for pursuing what it called an "outdated and absurd" denuclearization plan of the North, according to the North's state media Tuesday.
The North's foreign ministry made the remarks in response to a recent joint statement by South Korea, the U.S. and Japan that reaffirmed their goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
North Korea will "consistently adhere to the new line of bolstering up the nuclear force" and "thoroughly deter the U.S. and its vassal forces from threats and blackmail" by making use of all political and military tools at its disposal, the North's ministry said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.
"The U.S. is pursuing an outdated and absurd plan of 'denuclearization,' which is now getting more impossible and impracticable even practically and conceptually from the viewpoint of the present time," it said.
The statement also called denuclearization a "shortsighted goal," saying it is "no more than the height of stupidity that arouses the astonishment of the world people" and the U.S. has not yet awakened from "the failed old dream of the denuclearization."
"It is not worth consideration to counter the stand of the U.S. escaping from reality and we condemn and reject the U.S. action in the most resolute tone," it also said.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul (L), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya pose for a photo during a trilateral meeting on the margins of the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb. 15, 2025, in this photo released by Seoul's foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea's foreign ministry said last week's trilateral talks among South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya sent a "strong" warning against North Korean provocations and stressed their commitment to reinforcing the global anti-Pyongyang sanctions regime.
The North's ministry expressed "serious concern," accusing the three nations of "inciting collective confrontation" on the Korean Peninsula and the region and warning that any provocation and threat will be met with "overwhelming and decisive counteraction."
"As long as the U.S. and its vassal forces' hostile threat exists, the DPRK's nukes are means for defending peace and sovereignty and a means for legitimate self-defense," the ministry noted.
"The more desperately the U.S. resorts to ineffective means of pressure against the DPRK ... the more the DPRK will continue to take a new opportunity for the upward coordination of its strategic force," the ministry also said, adding that "anachronistic and futile attempt to challenge its sovereignty will entail self-destructive results."
Despite such threats from North Korea, the regime appears to be restraining the level of its messages toward the U.S. as it closely watches how the Trump administration's North Korea policy will unfold, according to a source.
The source cited spokespeople from the North's defense and foreign ministries, rather than key figures in power, such as leader Kim Jong-un, his powerful sister Kim Yo-jong or Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, as evidence supporting this assessment.
North Korea may also be in a stage of cautiously watching its external relations with the U.S. and reconsidering its stance at a time when Trump's North Korea policy has not been formally decided, while he continues to make favorable remarks about his relationship with Kim Jong-un, the source added.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 18, 2025
10. S. Korea aims to recover remains of 220 soldiers killed during Korean War in 2025
Shared South Korea-–US values. We will not leave our fallen behind.
S. Korea aims to recover remains of 220 soldiers killed during Korean War in 2025 | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry said Tuesday it will seek to recover the remains of more than 200 soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War this year as part of an ongoing project to find and identify missing service members.
Since 2000, the ministry has been working to recover the remains of fallen soldiers of the conflict, with about 90 percent of the 133,192 South Korean troops killed during the war still unaccounted for.
This year, the ministry will seek to excavate 220 sets of remains, identify 25 sets of remains, and collect 12,000 DNA samples from family members of the fallen soldiers to help its identification efforts, it said.
The ministry said about 100 service members will be mobilized daily for excavation projects lasting four to eight weeks, with a total of around 100,000 personnel to be involved in the effort this year.
The ministry's war remains excavation agency has so far recovered 11,395 sets of remains, identifying 248 of them.
A ceremony marking the recovery of remains of South Korean soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War takes place at the headquarters of the Army's I Corps in Goyang, north of Seoul, on Nov. 28, 2024, in this file photo provided by the unit. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · February 18, 2025
11. Yoon supporters hold protest rallies outside of judge's alleged home
Yoon supporters hold protest rallies outside of judge's alleged home | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Cheong-mo · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- Supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol have been holding a string of protest rallies in front of an alleged residence of the Constitutional Court's acting chief justice, Moon Hyung-bae, for days, in an apparent attempt to influence the court's ongoing trials on Yoon's impeachment.
On Tuesday morning, about 30 supporters of the impeached president gathered outside of an apartment complex in the central Seoul district of Jongno, shouting out slogans denouncing Moon and calling for his resignation and the nullification of Yoon's impeachment.
Some of the protesters waved a picket sign that reads, "Porn judge Moon Hyung-bae," amid an allegation that he turned a blind eye to the sharing of pornography in an internet cafe for his high school alumni. Police are reportedly investigating the allegation.
Yoon's supporters, as well as conservative lawmakers, have accused Moon of being close to opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and affiliated with a left-leaning association of judges, and moving to make a judgment unfavorable to the impeached president.
Many residents of the apartment complex issued complaints about the noise from the protesters and an official of the apartment management office came out holding a picket that says, "Mr. Moon Hyung-bae is not registered as a resident. No one has seen Moon here."
The official also stressed that apartment residents also have the right to live a peaceful life and gatherings around the apartment complex should be refrained from.
Supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol hold a rally outside a Seoul apartment complex where Moon Hyung-bae, acting president of the Constitutional Court, is believed to live, on Feb. 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Cheong-mo · February 18, 2025
12. U.S.-based Direct Relief wins Seoul Peace Prize
U.S.-based Direct Relief wins Seoul Peace Prize | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Seung-yeon · February 18, 2025
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- A U.S.-based relief organization has won the Seoul Peace Prize for its longstanding humanitarian work in delivering medical supplies to those impacted by disasters and conflicts, the prize committee announced Tuesday.
The award will be presented to Direct Relief, a nonprofit humanitarian relief organization, committed to providing immediate and direct medical supplies to people affected by natural disasters, wars, diseases and poverty, the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation said in a press release.
The awarding ceremony will take place in Seoul in the first half of this year.
Founded in 1948, Direct Relief is dedicated to serving people in medical needs and has provided assistance to people in 136 countries worldwide, solely on donations from individuals, companies and organizations without any government support, according to the foundation.
"By promptly and efficiently delivering medical supplies, Direct Relief has not only protected lives and ensured psychological stability, but has also instilled hope for a new beginning," the foundation said.
"It has demonstrated humanitarianism and made a significant contribution to the advancement of human welfare," it added.
The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 in commemoration of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games to promote peace and cooperation. Its previous laureates include former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
This undated photo, provided by Direct Relief on Feb. 18, 2025, captures its officials moving medical supplies. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Seung-yeon · February 18, 2025
13. Military deploys new homegrown bunker buster missile amid N.K. threats
Military deploys new homegrown bunker buster missile amid N.K. threats | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · February 18, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has deployed a new homegrown bunker buster missile capable of striking underground enemy targets, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday, in its efforts to deter North Korean military threats.
The military has deployed the Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile (KTSSM), capable of conducting simultaneous precision strikes in a short span of time against North Korea's long-range artillery firepower that threatens the greater Seoul area, in the event of a contingency, the JCS said in a release.
The JCS said the latest deployment equips the military with the "overwhelming" capacity to completely destroy the enemy in the event of a contingency.
This photo, provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Feb. 18, 2025, shows the newly deployed Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The tactical ballistic missile, also named Ure, which means thunder in Korean, has been developed to strike North Korean long-range artillery pieces hidden in caves and tunnels. It is known to have a range of 180 kilometers.
Many of the North's long-range artillery pieces are stationed within striking distance of South Korea's wider capital area -- home to nearly half of the country's 51 million population.
"Our military will closely monitor North Korea's various military activities under the robust South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture and maintain the overwhelming capacity and posture to counter any North Korean threat in an overwhelming manner," the JCS said.
This photo, provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Feb. 18, 2025, shows the newly deployed Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · February 18, 2025
14. Families of abductees pressure Japan for stronger action against North Korea
Families of abductees pressure Japan for stronger action against North Korea
Advocacy groups have shifted to more hardline stance, urging end to aid, sanctions relief until abductees are returned
https://www.nknews.org/2025/02/families-of-abductees-pressure-japan-for-stronger-action-against-north-korea/
Shreyas Reddy February 18, 2025
The whereabouts of at least 12 Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea remain unknown. | Image: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, edited by NK News
The families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea have adopted a stronger policy demanding that Tokyo secure the immediate return of all remaining victims, as concerns grow that the abductees’ aging relatives may not live to see their return.
At a joint press conference in Tokyo on Sunday, the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea (AFVKN) and the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea (NARKN) unveiled their new policy explicitly calling for the government to make humanitarian aid and sanctions relief conditional on Pyongyang returning all abductees.
This marks a shift from their previous position, which merely stated they would “not oppose” Tokyo’s provision of economic assistance alongside ongoing efforts pushing for the return of Japanese nationals abducted by the DPRK in the 1970s and 1980s.
The associations’ call came a day after 96-year-old Akihiro Arimoto, the father of abductee Keiko Arimoto and a founding member of AFVKN, passed away. With his death, 89-year-old Sakie Yokota, the mother of abductee Megumi Yokota, became the sole surviving parent of an abductee.
Despite her advancing years, Yokota expressed hope for the return of all abductees as she asked for public support.
“I believe a day will come when all remaining victims come back with smiles,” she reportedly said at the press conference. “The crucial step begins now.”
The organizations also expressed skepticism about Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s proposal of establishing liaison offices in Pyongyang and Tokyo, reiterating their earlier criticism that this will simply buy North Korea time to cover up its misdeeds.
Ahead of his election in September, Ishiba repeatedly promoted his vision of liaison offices to finally resolve the abduction issue, suggesting it would give both countries a platform to clarify their positions and share information.
However, after becoming prime minister he reduced his emphasis on the idea, seemingly in response to the criticism from abductees’ families.
Numerous Japanese governments have emphasized the need to resolve the abduction issue over the years, with many prime ministers including Ishiba expressing their willingness to hold face-to-face summits with DPRK leaders.
However, this has led to little success, with Pyongyang returning only five of the 17 people Japan officially recognizes as abductees, while the others’ whereabouts remain unknown. The actual number of remaining abductees is likely even greater, with the U.N. Commission of Inquiry human rights report assessing in 2014 that North Korea may have kidnapped over 100 Japanese citizens.
AFVKN and NARKN noted in a joint statement on Sunday that it previously supported former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s treatment of the abduction issue as separate from denuclearization negotiations, adding that North Korea appeared to respond “positively” to the idea and participated in backchannel communications with Tokyo.
However, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister Kim Yo Jong firmly rejected any further negotiations on the abduction issue last year, the abductees’ families suggested it may be time to reconsider its previous intent not to oppose humanitarian aid to the DPRK or the lifting of unilateral sanctions.
They stated that if a DPRK-Japan summit happens, it would remain acceptable to leverage humanitarian aid and sanctions relief to demand the immediate return of all abductees.
However, if the U.S. begins negotiations with Pyongyang and calls upon Japan to offer economic assistance in exchange for nuclear and missile concessions, the families said Tokyo must return to its pre-Kishida stance of refusing to offer economic aid until all abductees are returned.
The groups plan to launch a nationwide petition in May to press their demands, alongside increasing efforts to raise awareness about the issue, particularly for younger generations.
They also called on Ishiba to demand a summit with Kim Jong Un and said the government must present a “clear strategy, tactics and roadmap” to secure the abductees’ immediate release.
“North Korea has a history of employing deceptive tactics,” the statement read. “The government must resist these ploys and continue demanding the ‘immediate and simultaneous return of all abductees.’”
They also emphasized the need for cooperation with new U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and countries whose citizens were abducted by Pyongyang, while urging the international community to place more pressure on the DPRK and impose additional sanctions tied to the abduction issue.
The new policy also calls for investigations into abduction cases not formally recognized by the Japanese government, as well as efforts to strengthen intelligence collection and boost abduction issue-related radio broadcasts and leaflet campaigns into North Korea.
The organizations concluded their joint statement by emphasizing their continued commitment to their mission, and pledged to “escalate” efforts to ensure the Japanese government works to ensure the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.
“Time is running out,” they warned. “The government must act now to bring all abductees home while their parents are still alive.”
Edited by Alannah Hill
15. Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize, says South Korean lawmaker
Do not be duped. The Minjoo/DPK is trying to burnish its alliance credentials and pander to POTUS.
And of course it wants maximum engagement with the north.
[INTERVIEW] Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize, says South Korean lawmaker
The Korea Times · February 18, 2025
Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Ex-spy agency deputy head says Pyongyang may officially acknowledge troop deployment after US-Russia talks begin on Ukraine war
By Kwak Yeon-soo
U.S. President Donald Trump is well qualified to win a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in facilitating talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his first term and peace-building efforts during his second term, according to Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
On this basis, Park recently recommended Trump for the 2025 prize.
Having served as the deputy director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) under the previous Moon Jae-in administration, Park was partially involved in the unprecedented three-way meeting of Trump, Kim and Moon at the inter-Korean Demilitarized Zone in June 2019.
His recommendation letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, exclusively obtained by The Korea Times, states that “President Trump, during his tenure as the 45th president of the United States, made significant contributions to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, advancing denuclearization efforts, and strengthening ROK-U.S alliance, which collectively enhanced global peace and stability.”
It continues: “Furthermore, during his inauguration as the 47th president, he has also emphasized the importance of restoring relations with North Korea, reigniting regional and global hopes for its denuclearization.”
Park said it’s a shame the Moon administration did not nominate Trump during the U.S. president’s first term.
“The Nobel Committee would have responded more positively if Moon — a stakeholder in denuclearization talks — had recommended Trump. Since the North Korean nuclear issue is directly related to our security, I thought it’s my duty as a responsible member of the National Assembly to recommend him,” he said Monday during an interview with The Korea Times at his office.
This is not the first time Trump’s name was put forward for the Nobel Peace Prize. Norwegian lawmakers recommended him in 2018 for his negotiations with North Korea and in 2021 for mediating a peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, Trump claimed that Japan’s then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had also recommended him for the honor.
Park's move is in line with the DPK’s softening position on the U.S. under the second Trump administration. Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the DPK and a strong presidential contender, also mentioned recently that he would consider nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if there is a significant breakthrough in deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
“If Trump doesn’t win the prize this year, Lee can recommend him on behalf of the party again next year. Wouldn’t that be more effective?” Park said.
He said the chances of Trump winning the prize would be higher if the U.S. reaches out to North Korea in May or June this year.
“The committee is expected to begin an adviser review in April or May. If talks between the U.S. and Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine become finalized in early March, the U.S. will have enough time to reach out to North Korea in May or June,” Park said.
The Nobel Committee doesn't publicly comment on nominees, which are kept secret for 50 years. The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner will be announced in October.
Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was caught on camera sharing a handwritten note with Rep. Kim Min-seok and DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung, both not pictured, in the National Assembly main hall, Feb. 3. The note shows his recommendation of U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Yonhap
Park, who concurrently serves as a member of the National Assembly’s defense and intelligence committees, analyzed that Trump’s appointments of foreign policy aides reflect his willingness to seek dialogue with the North Korean leader.
“Trump’s appointments of Allison Hooker as undersecretary of state for political affairs, Alex Wong as principal deputy national security adviser and Richard Grenell as special missions envoy responsible in part for diplomacy with North Korea signal Trump’s willingness to resume diplomacy toward Pyongyang,” Park said.
During the first Trump administration, Hooker was deeply involved in preparations for Trump's summits with Kim in Singapore in June 2018 and Hanoi in February 2019 and the meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom in June 2019.
The lawmaker also predicted that North Korea may formally acknowledge deploying its troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine if the U.S.-Russia peace talks take place.
“I think North Korea will soon acknowledge its troop deployment to Russia. The Ukraine-Russia war is naturally linked to the North Korean nuclear issue like a back-to-back connection. North Korea has dragged itself into the Ukraine war by deploying its troops,” he said. “The U.S. will likely bring up the issue of North Korean troops during the peace talk and urge Russia to pull them out of the war because it’s illegal.”
Park added that it’s possible that the reclusive regime is giving incentives to North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia’ invasion of Ukraine. “North Korea is believed to allow soldiers serving in the war to join the Workers’ Party of Korea. But I’m not sure about giving financial incentives because any financial benefit would be provided by Russia,” he said.
The Korea Times · February 18, 2025
16. National Assembly speaker meets acting U.S. envoy to discuss China, bilateral ties, Trump
National Assembly speaker meets acting U.S. envoy to discuss China, bilateral ties, Trump
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-02-18/national/diplomacy/National-Assembly-speaker-meets-acting-US-envoy-to-discuss-China-bilateral-ties-Trump/2244716
Published: 18 Feb. 2025, 17:48
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, right, poses for a photo with Joseph Yun, the acting U.S. ambassador to Korea, during their meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 18. [NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER'S OFFICE]
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with Joseph Yun, the acting U.S. ambassador to Korea, on Tuesday to discuss the outcomes of his recent visit to China and ways to strengthen Seoul-Washington cooperation.
During the meeting at the National Assembly, Woo shared details of his official trip to China from Feb. 5 to 9, which he undertook at the invitation of Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC), China’s top legislative body. Woo was accompanied by a bipartisan delegation of lawmakers.
"We reached a consensus with China’s top leadership on advancing bilateral relations," Woo was quoted as saying, according to the National Assembly Speaker's Office. "I also discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be held in Korea later this year."
Woo and Yun also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Korea-U.S. ties in the diplomatic and economic sectors.
The speaker raised concerns about the potential impact of the second Donald Trump administration on Korean businesses and called for continued discussions to address such issues.
BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]
17. Differing approaches to denuclearization: US and NK perspectives
My apologies to the professor. But conventional international relations theory (and roadmaps) do not apply to the Kim family regime. Relaxing sanctions is only a victory for Kim Jong Un's political warfare strategy and blackmail diplomacy. These will not lead to any substantive agreements that the regime will honor and they certainly will not result in denuclearization.
Differing approaches to denuclearization: US and NK perspectives
The Korea Times · February 18, 2025
By Jeon Su-mi
Following the U.S.-Japan summit in Washington on Feb. 7, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated they have “grave concern(s) over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs” and their “firm commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.” This statement underscores both the U.S. commitment to the principle of denuclearization and its willingness to engage in negotiations with Pyongyang.
The concept of North Korea’s denuclearization cannot be discussed without addressing three historical milestones: first, the withdrawal of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons from South Korea in September 1991 under former President George H.W. Bush; second, the South-North Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in December of the same year; and third, the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks in September 2005. The withdrawal of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons facilitated the South-North denuclearization declaration, and the 2005 Joint Statement marked the first international agreement explicitly stipulating "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Subsequent South-North and U.S.-North Korea documents referencing "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" can be seen as extensions of the 2005 Six-Party Talks Joint Statement.
Despite these agreements, defining the scope and conditions of denuclearization remains the core challenge in U.S.-North Korea negotiations. The collapse of the 2019 Hanoi Summit exemplifies this difficulty. North Korea offered to dismantle the Yongbyon nuclear facility in exchange for partial sanctions relief, particularly those affecting its civilian economy. However, Trump rejected this proposal, arguing that the Yongbyon facility alone was insufficient without additional denuclearization commitments.
With Trump now serving a second term and the U.S. signaling openness to renewed dialogue, the possibility of another summit arises. However, North Korea’s deepened ties with Russia suggest that Pyongyang may demand greater concessions than it did in Hanoi. At the same time, Trump, eager to maintain a strong negotiating stance, is unlikely to offer less than his previous proposal. This deadlock underscores a fundamental dilemma: how to balance North Korea’s demands for sanctions relief with verifiable denuclearization steps.
In the absence of a viable military option for physically dismantling North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, several fundamental challenges must be addressed: How can North Korea’s nuclear weapon use be deterred? What measures can delay or halt its nuclear development? How can the number of nuclear weapons be reduced and ultimately eliminated? What are the realistically achievable goals for South Korea, the U.S. and Japan? Addressing these questions is vital for shaping a sustainable negotiation framework.
Kim Jong-un’s participation in the Hanoi Summit, driven by economic hardship due to sanctions, demonstrated that effective negotiations must strategically align sanctions relief with denuclearization commitments. However, differences in priorities between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan complicate the process. Before the Hanoi Summit, South Korea primarily focused on improving inter-Korean relations, whereas Japan urged Trump to address not only North Korea’s nuclear weapons but also its chemical and biological weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles targeting the U.S. mainland, as well as medium- and short-range missiles aimed at Japan. These diverging interests highlight the absence of a unified approach among key stakeholders.
A major challenge remains the lack of detailed trilateral discussions on how to match specific levels of denuclearization with corresponding sanctions relief. To move forward, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan must establish a clear roadmap based on the phased denuclearization framework outlined in the 2005 Six-Party Talks Joint Statement. This agreement not only sets out the final goal of complete denuclearization but also outlines the phased steps required to achieve it. North Korea itself was a signatory to this agreement, reaffirming it provides a viable foundation for renewed negotiations.
Resolving the North Korean nuclear issue requires a structured, reciprocal process. A well-defined roadmap — linking denuclearization steps with proportionate sanctions relief — can bridge the gap between Pyongyang’s demands and Washington’s security concerns. By prioritizing a coordinated strategy, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan can work toward the shared goal of achieving a stable and nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
The writer is a professor and lawyer at Soongsil University in Seoul.
The Korea Times · February 18, 2025
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
| 
