South Korea Pushes Phased Denuclearisation as North Korea Declares Nuclear Status Irreversible

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui announced that the DPRK’s nuclear weapons status is “irreversible…forever,” rejecting any prospect of denuclearisation. The statement came shortly after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung used the United Nations General Assembly to call for a practical, step-by-step “phased” approach that would first halt further nuclear and missile development, then move toward reductions and eventual dismantlement.

'Unrealistic delusion': North Korea rejects denuclearisation; weapons will stay 'forever' Lee Jae Myung pushes phased North Korea denuclearisation at UN South Korean President plans to call for phased denuclearisation of North Korea at UN North Korea to keep nuclear weapons 'forever', says foreign minister South China Morning Post

Lee’s proposal follows a shift away from an all-or-nothing stance that South Korea has long pursued. He has urged the United States to pair sanctions relief with a freeze on new nuclear and ICBM work, arguing that waiting for complete denuclearisation is unrealistic given Pyongyang’s expanding arsenal. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has signalled openness to dialogue, citing previous meetings with Kim Jong Un and a recent reduction in the scale of the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

'Unrealistic delusion': North Korea rejects denuclearisation; weapons will stay 'forever'

• Lee contends North Korea could be producing 10 to 20 additional nuclear weapons per year.

South Korean President plans to call for phased denuclearisation of North Korea at UN

• Trump has claimed the North possesses 57 nuclear weapons, while unnamed experts estimate the arsenal may exceed 100 warheads.

'Unrealistic delusion': North Korea rejects denuclearisation; weapons will stay 'forever'

• He also urged the creation of a peace protocol involving the two Koreas, the United States and China.

South China Morning Post

• The United States has indicated willingness to engage without preconditions, with Trump noting a “very good relationship” with Kim Jong Un and expressing intent to meet Lee on the sidelines of the UN gathering.

Lee Jae Myung pushes phased North Korea denuclearisation at UN

• On September 22, North Korea announced a test of “updated 240-millimetre controlled multiple-launch rockets” capable of striking targets up to 115 km away.

'Unrealistic delusion': North Korea rejects denuclearisation; weapons will stay 'forever'

• “I reaffirm and reconfirm in the strongest tone of voice the steadfast will of our state to keep nuclear weapons through all ages,” — Korean Peninsula. Choe, korean foreign minister

'Unrealistic delusion': North Korea rejects denuclearisation; weapons will stay 'forever'

• “The coexistence of confrontation and dialogue may be workable for anyone, but they can never be a considerable one for the DPRK,” — Korean Peninsula. Choe, korean foreign minister

North Korea to keep nuclear weapons 'forever', says foreign minister

Estimates of North Korea’s nuclear stockpile diverge: Trump’s public figure of 57 weapons contrasts with expert assessments of over 100 warheads. Additionally, while Lee emphasizes a phased pathway, North Korean officials have repeatedly dismissed any dialogue that does not acknowledge the “everlasting” nature of their nuclear deterrent, leaving the likelihood of immediate negotiations unclear.

Lee Jae Myung pushes phased North Korea denuclearisation at UN

Lee is expected to meet President Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and to present South Korea’s broader AI-benefit agenda.

Lee Jae Myung pushes phased North Korea denuclearisation at UN