(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Nov. 29)

Potential Trump-Kim summit
Path forward for South Korea's role in peninsula security

Reports suggest that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is considering a direct meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, sparking debate about the future of diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula. Such a meeting, especially before Trump assumes office, would mark a bold and unprecedented step. If realized, renewed talks between Washington and Pyongyang could indicate a shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea, emphasizing engagement over confrontation. However, before proceeding, Trump must coordinate closely with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to ensure a unified strategy for addressing the region's complex security issues.

During his first term, Trump held two high-profile summits with Kim, along with multiple exchanges of personal letters. These efforts were aimed at addressing North Korea's nuclear program and reducing military tensions in the region. However, despite the dramatic imagery of the meetings and promises of cooperation, tangible progress on denuclearization and peace building remained elusive. Given this history, it is crucial that any future engagement with Kim be approached with careful consideration and a clear strategy to avoid repeating the failures of the past.

Reports indicate that Trump's team is already prioritizing North Korea, with the appointment of Alex Wong as deputy national security adviser. Wong, who was instrumental in crafting the U.S. approach to North Korea during Trump's first term, will likely play a key role in any renewed efforts to engage Pyongyang. Trump's focus on North Korea contrasts with the current U.S. administration under President Joe Biden, which has taken a more cautious and measured approach. This shift in emphasis could lead to a more aggressive pursuit of dialogue, but it also carries the risk of overlooking the lessons learned from previous summits.

One of the most significant lessons from Trump's past dealings with North Korea is the need for close consultation with South Korea. Seoul is the nation most directly affected by North Korea's provocations, including its missile tests and nuclear ambitions. South Korea's security concerns must be central to any discussions between the U.S. and North Korea. For this reason, it is imperative that Trump meet with Yoon before sitting down with Kim. This consultation will ensure that any potential summit with Kim is aligned with South Korea's strategic interests and that both countries are united in their approach to managing the North Korean threat.

As the situation on the Korean Peninsula evolves, particularly in light of North Korea's increasing military collaboration with Russia, South Korea's role becomes even more crucial. North Korea's support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, coupled with Russia's assistance to Pyongyang in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), raises the stakes for regional security. The growing nexus between North Korea and Russia, two nuclear-armed states, could complicate efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and create a more volatile security environment. As such, the U.S. and South Korea must work in lockstep to develop strategies that can deter potential nuclear threats from North Korea while simultaneously exploring avenues for diplomatic engagement.

In preparation for a possible Trump-Kim summit, it is vital that the U.S. and South Korea discuss the meeting's agenda in detail, particularly regarding North Korea's nuclear program. The denuclearization of North Korea remains a central goal, but it must be approached with caution. Past talks have faltered over disagreements on the specifics of denuclearization — issues such as timelines, verification, and compensatory measures. Any future summit should focus on clear, actionable steps that can lead to meaningful progress. This is where South Korea's input is invaluable. As the nation most vulnerable to North Korea's nuclear threat, South Korea must be involved in every stage of the process, from setting goals to defining the parameters of any potential deal.

Moreover, South Korea should take proactive steps to reduce tensions on the peninsula. The Yoon administration should consider proposing high-level military talks with Pyongyang to discuss measures that can reduce hostilities, such as halting provocative military exercises and ending hostile activities like balloon launches and loudspeaker broadcasts near the border. A shift in South Korea's North Korea policy, moving toward greater engagement, could help create the conditions for stability and peace.

A potential summit between Trump and Kim could offer hope for easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, but it must be preceded by thorough preparation and close consultation with South Korea. The Yoon administration must play an active role in shaping the discussions and ensuring that any agreement reflects the security concerns of all parties involved. Only through close coordination between Washington and Seoul can a meaningful and sustainable solution be found to the North Korean threat.
(END)