Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated that South Korea might consider easing sanctions on North Korea if it takes steps toward denuclearization as part of the negotiation process. Wi's statement follows President Lee Jae Myung's remarks in a TIME magazine interview, where he suggested that Seoul could consider sanctions relief on Pyongyang under his three-stage roadmap of suspension, reduction, and denuclearization.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi emphasized the need for responsive measures to provide momentum for North Korea's denuclearization, implying that sanctions relief could be a part of the negotiation and bartering process. Since 2017, North Korea has been under strict U.N. sanctions due to its nuclear and missile programs. However, it is believed that North Korea has received food and other necessities from Russia in exchange for supplying military equipment and troops to support the war in Ukraine.
Wi also addressed President Lee's comments on the possibility of impeachment if he were to accept U.S. demands in trade talks, clarifying that Lee was expressing his candid thoughts rather than making a strategic remark. Lee had previously expressed a similar stance during negotiations, describing the talks as tense and mentioning that the U.S. demands were so strict that agreeing to them could lead to impeachment.
Seoul and Washington are currently working out the details of a $350 billion investment pledge made by South Korea in return for the U.S. lowering tariffs to 15 percent. This is part of finalizing a framework trade deal reached in late July.