South Korea's President Lee says efforts to build trust with North Korea must continue

Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed the need for continued trust-building with North Korea to ensure lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. His remarks came after Kim Jong Un reportedly labeled the South its “most hostile enemy” and dismissed prospects for dialogue.

Reuters

February 26, 2026

South Korea's President Lee says efforts to build trust with North Korea must continue

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks next to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (not pictured) during their joint press conference after meeting at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, February 23, 2026

Jeon Heon-Kyun/Reuters

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung said on Thursday that efforts to build trust and find common ground with North Korea need to continue for systemic peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee made the comment in opening remarks during a meeting with his top aides, responding to reported comments by North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un who called South Korea the "most hostile enemy" and ruled out discussions.

-Reporting by Joyce Lee;Editing by Ed Davies/Reuters