Lee Jae Myung Urges Trump to Lead Peaceful North Korea Diplomacy at G7 Summit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked U.S. President Donald Trump to lead efforts toward a peaceful resolution of tensions with North Korea during the G7 summit on Tuesday, according to Lee’s office. The request occurred during a brief exchange where Trump inquired about current relations with Pyongyang.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated the two leaders spoke during a G7 leaders’ group photo. Lee asked Trump to lead the resolution process peacefully, citing Trump’s previous actions regarding the war in the Middle East. Trump responded that he would work to address the North Korea issue, Kang said.

What did the G7 leaders decide regarding North Korea?

G7 leaders issued a joint statement on Wednesday expressing “deep concern” over North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. The group reaffirmed a commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, adhering to U.N. Security Council resolutions.

The statement also urged Pyongyang to resolve the issue of abducted Japanese citizens. Additionally, the leaders emphasized the need to jointly combat North Korea’s cybercrimes and cryptocurrency thefts.

Did You Know? Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to step into North Korean territory during a meeting at the Demilitarized Zone in 2019.

Will Donald Trump revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un?

Trump has signaled a recurring interest in direct diplomacy. In October, he stated he would “love” to meet the North Korean leader again, and in August 2025, he noted he looked forward to a meeting in the “appropriate future.”

Lee Jae Myung Urges Donald Trump to Lead North Korea Peace Push at G7 Summit | Asia One News

Last week, Trump posted a captionless photo of himself with Kim Jong Un on Truth Social. South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young told local media on Monday that he viewed the post as a “good signal.” Chung suggested Trump may focus on a meeting with Kim once the conflict with Iran is resolved.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the push for renewed diplomacy faces the shadow of the failed Hanoi summit. Because that meeting collapsed without an agreement on sanctions or nuclear dismantling, any future engagement likely depends on whether Trump can secure concrete concessions.

What happens next for U.S.-North Korea relations?

Future diplomatic steps may depend on the resolution of other international conflicts. According to Minister Chung Dong-young, a meeting with Kim Jong Un could be a priority after the conflict with Iran ends.

The trajectory of these relations may be influenced by the G7’s stated commitment to U.N. Security Council resolutions. A possible next step involves whether Trump’s stated willingness to “work to address” the issue translates into formal diplomatic channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did President Lee Jae Myung ask President Trump?
Lee asked Trump to take the lead in seeking a peaceful resolution to tensions with North Korea.

Which previous meetings took place between Trump and Kim Jong Un?
The two leaders held three meetings: a 2018 summit in Singapore, a 2019 summit in Hanoi, and a 2019 meeting at the Demilitarized Zone.

What specific North Korean activities did the G7 express concern about?
The G7 cited concerns over nuclear and ballistic missile programs, cryptocurrency thefts, and cybercrimes.

Do you believe direct diplomacy is the most effective way to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue?