Lee Urges Trump to Push Peace Talks With North Korea at G7
By Global Leaders Insights Team | Jun 17, 2026
South Korea President Lee Jae Myung has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to take the lead in restarting Peace Talks with North Korea, highlighting Seoul’s renewed focus on diplomacy amid growing tensions in the region.
The discussion took place during a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. According to South Korea’s presidential office, Trump asked Lee about the current state of relations with North Korea, leading to a broader discussion about diplomacy and regional peace.
Lee encouraged Trump to use his influence and earlier experience in dealing with North Korea to help restart talks. He reportedly pointed to Trump’s past meetings with Kim Jong Un and earlier diplomatic efforts as reasons why he could play an important role in reducing Korean Peninsula tensions.
- Lee urges Trump to restart North Korea peace talks at G7 summit
- South Korea’s Lee asks Trump to lead North Korea diplomacy push
- Trump and Lee discuss North Korea peace efforts during G7 meeting
The request reflects Lee’s diplomatic approach since taking office. His administration has shown interest in improving communication with North Korea and reducing military tensions, even as Pyongyang continues to strengthen its Nuclear Programme.
Trump’s Past Ties With Kim Back in Focus
Trump, who met Kim Jong Un three times during his earlier term as president, reportedly responded positively to Lee’s request and said he would work toward the issue. The earlier meetings between Trump and Kim were seen as historic moments, although they did not lead to lasting agreements on denuclearisation or sanctions.
Even after talks broke down in 2019, Trump has continued to express interest in reconnecting with Kim. Reports suggest he remains open to future discussions, keeping alive the possibility of renewed Diplomatic Efforts.
Still, challenges remain. North Korea has recently stated that giving up its nuclear weapons is no longer an option and has criticised growing US Relations in military cooperation with South Korea. Pyongyang argues that joint military activities and defence agreements increase tensions rather than reduce them.
Lee’s appeal comes at a time of rising concern over North Korea’s weapons development and uncertainty in Regional Security. Experts believe any new diplomatic effort would require a careful balance between maintaining strong defence measures and reopening communication channels.
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Although no major policy announcement came from the meeting, the exchange signals South Korea’s interest in bringing diplomacy back into focus. Seoul appears to believe that Trump’s direct and unconventional approach to North Korea could still help ease tensions and reopen discussions on one of the region’s longest-standing security challenges.
