South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to propose a phased approach to denuclearizing North Korea during this week’s United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized the need for a practical, step-by-step process, comparing the situation to changing the direction of a moving vehicle — it must first be brought to a halt. Lee suggested a three-stage plan: stopping further nuclear development, reducing existing capabilities, and eventually dismantling the program. He stated that both South Korea and the United States are open to reengaging with North Korea and stressed the importance of a pragmatic solution to the North Korean nuclear issue. Lee’s proposal comes as North Korea continues to conduct weapons tests despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back a major military exercise with South Korea. Lee argued that expecting complete denuclearization all at once is unrealistic, as North Korea’s nuclear capabilities are likely to grow, increasing regional tensions. He called for a phased approach and aims to build on his vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Lee also mentioned his recent offer for talks among concerned parties to formally end the Korean War, which he said could provide a framework for addressing North Korea’s nuclear program. However, there are concerns that a phased approach might allow North Korea to stop its nuclear development only temporarily in exchange for sanctions relief. To prevent this, Lee called for comprehensive dialogue involving all parties to create a framework that benefits South Korea, the U.S., and North Korea. It remains unclear whether North Korea will return to talks, as it has dismissed Trump’s outreach and continued with weapons testing and hostile rhetoric. Experts believe North Korea is likely seeking larger U.S. concessions. Lee hopes that renewed diplomacy between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will lead to a resumption of dialogue between the two Koreas. He called Trump’s decision to scale back the military exercise a clear message of the U.S.’s non-hostile intent toward North Korea and said both South Korea and the U.S. remain open to engaging North Korea without preconditions. Lee emphasized the need for high-level political decisions and urged the two leaders to build trust and find common ground through direct talks. In addition to his nuclear policy, Lee called for reforms at the United Nations, citing challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and the impact of artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need to improve efficiency within the organization and give field workers more authority to respond to crises. During the U.N. General Assembly, Lee will also present South Korea’s efforts to ensure more people benefit from AI advancements and encourage other countries to join the initiative. Lee is expected to meet with Trump on the sidelines of the U.N. meeting and has also mentioned plans to expand a naval unit in the Gulf of Aden to protect South Korean shipping routes, while avoiding involvement in the U.S.-Iran conflict.