S. Korea's inter-Korean policy and diplomatic outlook under the new Lee administration

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

Lee Jae-myung has been sworn in as South Korea's 21st president, promising to lead with unity and realism on the global stage.

In his inauguration address, he laid out a vision of "pragmatic diplomacy" focused on the national interest, not ideology.

"Through a pragmatic diplomacy centered on the national interest, we will turn the crisis of global economic, security, and environmental transformation into opportunities to maximize our national interest. Based on a strong South Korea–U.S. alliance, we will strengthen trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while approaching relations with neighboring countries from the perspective of practicality and the national interest."

When it comes to North Korea, President Lee has emphasized phased cooperation and open communication — alongside firm deterrence.

"We will respond to North Korea's nuclear and military provocations with strong deterrence based on the South Korea-U.S. military alliance, while keeping communication channels with the North open and building peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation."

To help us unpack how President Lee's diplomatic signals may play out, we are joined by Go Myong-hyun, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome.

Also joining us online is Dr. John Nilsson-Wright, head of the Japan and Koreas Programme at the Centre for Geopolitics at the University of Cambridge.

1. (Go) Let's start with the big picture. The Lee Jae-myung administration has been launched in full force. President Lee has presented "pragmatic diplomacy" as the key principle of his governance. What do you see as the most urgent diplomatic and security issues the new government must address first?

2. (Nilsson-Wright) Let's take a closer look at the Korean Peninsula and North Korea policy. In his inaugural speech, President Lee stated he would "open communication channels with North Korea and build peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation." What initial steps do you expect him to take to improve inter-Korean relations?

3. (Go) Continuing on that thread, President Lee had expressed his intention to restore the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement, which was nullified by North Korea after being suspended by the previous administration. How realistic is the restoration of the agreement, and what are the key challenges to achieving it?

4. (Nilsson-Wright) Broader security concerns also come into play. President Lee has set the mid-to long-term denuclearization of North Korea as a goal, emphasizing a phased, pragmatic approach. How do you assess the new administration's strategy toward denuclearization?

5. (Go) At the same time, North Korea has remained completely silent on this election — no media coverage and no commentary. Do you think such kind of strategy will persist under the new administration? What ways are possible to bring Pyongyang back to the negotiation table?

6. (Nilsson-Wright) Now widening the lens to regional dynamics, North Korea's deepening ties with Russia are likely to complicate the new government's North Korea policy. How do you think the Lee administration — under the banner of "pragmatic diplomacy" — will shape its diplomatic approach toward China and Russia, which play major roles in regional stability?

7. (Go) Meanwhile, alliance management remains a central concern. President Lee has emphasized that the foundation of his pragmatic diplomacy is a solid ROK-U.S. alliance. As Korea's new government begins its term, concerns are mounting that the U.S. might increase pressure on defense cost-sharing. How should Korea respond if Washington calls for a renegotiation?

8. (Nilsson-Wright) On the military front, the Trump administration has hinted at a possible reduction in U.S. troop numbers and a reassessment of their role in Korea. Some say this could give Seoul a chance to push for the return of wartime operational control — something President Lee promised during his campaign. How do you see this playing out?

9. (Go) In its first message on President Lee's win, the White House called the U.S.-ROK alliance "ironclad," but also voiced concern over China's influence on democracies. What does this unusual mention of China suggest, and how should the Lee administration respond?