South Korea open to reviving North Korea talks, seeks progress on nuclear weapons

South Korea's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, stated on Friday that South Korea supports US President Donald Trump's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea. However, Seoul aims to ensure its security posture is not weakened and that it is not sidelined in these discussions. Wi emphasized that any resumed talks between the US and North Korea must lead to "substantive progress on the North Korean nuclear issue, alongside efforts to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula." He also highlighted the increased importance of policy coordination and communication between South Korea and the United States. Trump's recent decision to scale back joint military drills was seen as a signal of his willingness to engage with North Korea. Additionally, South Korea, Japan, and the United States will conduct joint military drills from September 9-11 to test readiness against North Korea's missile and nuclear threats.