Lee asks Trump to help restart North Korea-U.S. dialogue

U.S. President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae Myung, discussed progress on strategic investments and dialogue with North Korea during a roughly 30-minute meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Lee asked Trump to help restart dialogue between North Korea and the United States, while the Strait of Hormuz was not discussed.

Scraper SystemSeptember 23, 2026, 12:18 PM

Lee asks Trump to help restart North Korea-U.S. dialogue

U.S. President Donald Trump met with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae Myung, on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and reiterated his commitment to dialogue with North Korea. The roughly 30-minute meeting also addressed strategic investment projects and various issues between the two countries.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said significant progress had been made in negotiations on the investment projects. The meeting took place one day after South Korea’s Ministry of Industry briefed lawmakers on plans to implement the two countries’ $350 billion investment package.

Strait of Hormuz not discussed

The Washington administration had increased its requests for Seoul to deploy military forces as part of efforts to support the safety of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Lee Jae Myung had previously stated that South Korea would not send combat troops that could draw the country into a conflict abroad.

Wi Sung-lac said the issue of the Strait of Hormuz was not discussed during Trump and Lee’s latest meeting.

Submarine and military control issues

The leaders discussed South Korea’s goal of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, as well as its rights to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. The transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean forces from Washington to Seoul and cooperation in shipbuilding were also on the agenda.

Request for support on North Korea dialogue

Lee Jae Myung asked Trump to help restart dialogue between North Korea and the United States. According to Wi Sung-lac, Trump responded positively to the request and said he had a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Lee highlighted regional importance of U.S.-China summit

Lee Jae Myung said the U.S.-China summit planned for Thursday was important in terms of regional developments. The South Korean leader expressed hope that the meeting would be successful on regional issues, including South Korea-China relations.

Lee asks Trump to help restart North Korea-U.S. dialogue