Seoul envoy vows to maintain joint goal of N. Korea's denuclearization with Trump administration

South Korea's top delegate to the U.S. has reaffirmed intentions to work with Washington to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons.

The remarks were made in response to concerns here over Mr. Trump's labeling of the regime as a "nuclear power".

Lee Seung-jae has details.

South Korea's Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong said Thursday that Seoul and Washington will maintain the goal of North Korea's denuclearization in the new Donald Trump administration.

In a monthly press meeting, Seoul's top envoy to Washington emphasized South Korea's focus on reinforcing policy coordination with the Trump administration.

In order to remain on the same page on North Korea nuclear policy, Cho said the South Korean government will strengthen its coordination with the U.S., especially given the North's participation in the war in Ukraine.

The ambassador also stressed Seoul's priority of strengthening the credibility of the U.S.' extended deterrence commitment.

This includes the mobilization of the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons,.. in order to defend South Korea.

Cho added that, Seoul will continue to ensure the combined South Korea-U.S. defense posture, while maintaining the Seoul-Washington-Tokyo trilateral cooperation.

His comments come amid growing concerns that the U.S. may be changing its policy on North Korea's nuclear program.

On the day of his inauguration on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump described North Korea as a "nuclear power."

Also,.. Trump's defense chief nominee Pete Hegseth used the same term to describe the regime.

U.S. officials have long refrained from using such terms, as it could be seen as Washington's recognition of North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

However, the term is different from "the nuclear-weapon states,". often used to describe countries like the U.S., UK, France, Russia, and China.

They're officially recognized as countries that possess nuclear weapons in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.