(LEAD) DP leader calls for stronger security capabilities, says 'freeze-first' approach to N.K. nukes possible

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SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- The leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Monday called for strengthening South Korea's independent security capabilities, citing the possibility of a shift toward a "freeze-first" approach to North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Rep. Kim Min-seok made the call in his policy address to the National Assembly session, stressing the need for Seoul to facilitate dialogue between the United States and North Korea while actively responding to possible changes in their relations.

"Considering the possibility that the United States and North Korea may achieve a dramatic improvement in relations and if by any chance, a 'freeze-first, resolve-later' approach could be adopted on the North Korean nuclear issue, South Korea must strengthen its independent security capabilities in advance," Kim said.

Kim Min-seok, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, delivers his policy address at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sept. 7, 2026. (Yonhap)

"The days when South Korea could depend solely on the United States are over," Kim added, noting that Washington is choosing to become "a tough negotiating partner rather than a generous big brother."

Kim also said Seoul should consider whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "two-state" policy could be used to promote peaceful coexistence rather than dismissing it entirely.

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention to meet Kim later this year and ordered the scaling back of a major South Korea-U.S. exercise, citing his "very good" relationship with Kim.

He also argued that the allies' drills are costly and can send a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to the North.

The scaled-back exercise raised concerns that it could weaken the allies' deterrence against Pyongyang's growing nuclear and missile threats.

On domestic issues, Kim pledged to push for a constitutional revision that reflects public consensus, while vowing to prioritize people's livelihoods and promote balanced regional development.

"While respecting the procedural principles of the current Constitution and laws, we will pursue a feasible constitutional amendment that reflects the changing times and people's demands," he said.

Kim's remarks came after National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik told a press conference that an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term under a revised Constitution is ultimately up to the people.

The remarks prompted opposition lawmakers to question whether he had left open the possibility of President Lee Jae Myung seeking a second term.

julesyi@yna.co.kr (END)

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(LEAD) DP leader calls for stronger security capabilities, says 'freeze-first' approach to N.K. nukes possible

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首尔，9月7日（韩联社）——执政党共同民主党（DP）党首周一呼吁加强韩国的独立安全能力，并指出对朝鲜核武器计划采取“先冻结后发展”策略的可能性正在增加。

金珉锡议员在向国会发表的施政演说中呼吁，首尔方面需要促进美朝对话，同时积极应对两国关系可能出现的变化。

金正恩表示：“考虑到美国和朝鲜的关系有可能取得巨大改善，而且如果朝鲜核问题上有可能采取‘先冻结后解决’的做法，韩国必须提前加强其独立安全能力。”

2026年9月7日，执政党共同民主党党首金珉锡在首尔国会发表施政演说。（韩联社）

金正恩补充说：“韩国完全依赖美国的日子已经结束了。”他指出，华盛顿选择成为“一个强硬的谈判伙伴，而不是一个慷慨的大哥”。

金正恩还表示，首尔应该考虑是否可以利用朝鲜领导人金正恩的“两国方案”来促进和平共处，而不是完全否定它。

上个月，美国总统唐纳德·特朗普表示有意在今年晚些时候与金正恩会面，并下令缩减韩美联合军演的规模，理由是他与金正恩的关系“非常好”。

他还认为，盟军的演习成本高昂，而且会向朝鲜发出“完全不恰当和敌对的”信号。

此次规模缩减的演习引发了人们的担忧，认为这可能会削弱盟国对平壤日益增长的核导威胁的威慑力。

在国内问题上，金正恩承诺推动修改宪法，以反映民意，同时誓言优先考虑民生，促进区域均衡发展。

他说：“在尊重现行宪法和法律的程序原则的同时，我们将寻求一项能够反映时代变化和人民诉求的切实可行的宪法修正案。”

金正恩发表上述言论之前，国会议长赵正植在新闻发布会上表示，根据修订后的宪法，现任总统是否有资格寻求连任最终取决于人民。

这番言论引发反对派议员质疑，他是否暗示李在明总统有可能寻求连任。

julesyi@yna.co.kr (完)

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专家称，特朗普可能不会介意承认朝鲜拥有核武器。

博尔顿认为特朗普有可能在平壤与金正恩会面，并警告峰会存在风险。

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（导语）民主党领导人呼吁加强安全能力，称对朝鲜核武器采取“先冻结后发展”策略是可能的