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U.S. and South Korean Diplomats Reaffirm Commitment to North Korea Denuclearization on Feb 3, 2026

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Diplomats Meet in Seoul to Restate Denuclearization Goal Top South Korean and U.S. diplomats convened in Seoul on February 3, 2026, delivering a joint statement that reaffirmed their objective of a fully denuclearized North Korea [1]. The meeting, coordinated by the State Department and South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the denuclearization agenda remains central to bilateral security cooperation [1]. Participants highlighted recent diplomatic channels and pledged to sustain pressure through coordinated sanctions and dialogue [1].

State Department Releases Official Commitment Statement The U.S. State Department issued a formal communiqué on the same day, confirming that Washington continues to pursue “complete, verifiable, and irreversible” denuclearization of the DPRK [1]. The statement underscored that the United States will work with regional allies, including Japan and Australia, to enforce existing UN resolutions [1]. It also noted that diplomatic engagement will proceed alongside deterrence measures to ensure North Korea’s compliance [1].

South Korean Foreign Ministry Echoes U.S. Position South Korea’s Foreign Ministry echoed the U.S. declaration, asserting that Seoul will maintain “unwavering support” for the denuclearization process and expand joint military exercises as a deterrent [1]. The ministry called for renewed multilateral talks, inviting China and Russia to participate in future negotiations [1]. It warned that any further nuclear tests would trigger “swift and coordinated” international responses [1].

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Timeline

2017 – The U.S. National Security Strategy explicitly includes a commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea, establishing a policy baseline referenced in later strategy revisions [5][6].

2022 – The U.S. National Security Strategy again reaffirms the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea, reinforcing the bilateral stance with Seoul [5][6].

Nov 2025 – China’s military white paper omits any reference to denuclearization of North Korea, prompting Seoul to voice concerns that major powers are weakening the goal [4].

Dec 7, 2025 – A Seoul official announces that South Korea will not use joint military drills as leverage in inter‑Korean talks, signaling a shift toward diplomatic engagement with the North [2].

Dec 8, 2025 – North Korea declares that its 50,000‑unit housing project in Pyongyang reaches the final construction stage, highlighting domestic development priorities [2].

Dec 8, 2025 – Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim reaffirms the shared commitment to “complete denuclearization” of North Korea despite the new U.S. National Security Strategy omitting the term [2][5][6].

Dec 8, 2025 – Former South Korean ambassador Cho Byung‑jae urges preserving denuclearization language in policy toward the North, warning that its removal could trigger a regional nuclear domino effect [4].

Dec 8, 2025 – The joint fact sheet released after the August and October 2025 U.S.–South Korea summits reiterates the denuclearization pledge, providing a diplomatic anchor amid strategy changes [5][6].

Dec 8, 2025 – U.S. and South Korean officials continue talks on revising the nuclear‑energy pact to permit South Korea to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel for peaceful purposes, subject to U.S. legal constraints [5][6].

Dec 9, 2025 – Former Seoul diplomat Cho Byung‑jae cautions against dropping denuclearization language from future talks, arguing it remains essential to negotiation objectives [2][3].

Dec 9, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un sends condolences to Russia over the death of its envoy to Pyongyang, underscoring ongoing diplomatic ties between North Korea and Moscow [2].

Dec 9, 2025 – An expert suggests that Kim Jong‑un’s guiding ideology may be codified in the Workers’ Party charter at the upcoming party congress, indicating a potential ideological consolidation [2].

Dec 2025 – South Korea and the United States discuss establishing regular coordination meetings on North Korea policy, building on months of working‑level talks [3].

Dec 2025 – President Donald Trump claims during a Pennsylvania speech that North Korea possesses a stronger border than the United States, using the comparison to highlight his administration’s border‑security achievements [3].

Early 2026 – All 500 spots for the Pyongyang International Marathon scheduled for April 5, 2026 sell out within hours of opening, reflecting high domestic and international interest in the event [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – Top U.S. and South Korean diplomats reaffirm their pledge to achieve complete denuclearization of North Korea, reinforcing the bilateral commitment amid recent policy shifts [1].

2026 (expected) – Analysts anticipate a possible Trump‑Kim summit in 2026, though former diplomat Cho Byung‑jae expresses pessimism about its likelihood and potential outcomes [4].

2026 (expected) – The Workers’ Party congress slated for later in 2026 may embed Kim Jong‑un’s guiding ideology into the party charter, shaping future policy direction [2].

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