President Yoon Vows to Counter North Korean Support for Russia Amid Rising Global Security Concerns

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stern warning on Thursday regarding North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia, vowing to take effective countermeasures if their alliance continues. The President also affirmed his commitment to continuing efforts towards North Korean denuclearization within the framework of a robust U.S.-South Korea alliance, with continuity even under a potential second Trump administration.

Before departing for an eight-day tour of South America, President Yoon discussed these issues in an interview with Spain’s national news agency, EFE, a major global news outlet with significant influence in Spanish-speaking regions, including Latin America.

Yoon expressed grave concerns about North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russia, characterizing it as a severe threat to security not only on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe but globally. He asserted that the South Korean government would respond with effective measures, including enhanced support for Ukraine. Yoon also urged the Chinese government to contribute to regional peace, emphasizing the need for China to fulfill its responsibility in stabilizing the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region while maintaining strategic communication.

He reiterated his confidence in continued strong ties with the U.S., saying, “We will work to strengthen further and develop the U.S.-South Korea alliance across all sectors,” adding, “We will also intensify our efforts towards North Korea’s denuclearization through close coordination.”

Yoon departed on an 8-day South American trip to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and G20 (Group of Twenty) summits. This marks his first visit to South America since taking office, with planned stops in Lima, Peru, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Yoon highlighted Latin America’s growing strategic importance, especially amid rising protectionism and supply chain instability. He explained that his inaugural visit to South America since taking office marks the expansion of South Korea’s Global Pivotal State (GPS) vision to include the Latin American region.

Yoon outlined South Korea’s strengthening partnerships in Latin America, primarily through free trade agreements and infrastructure projects, emphasizing that collaboration now extends into fields like renewable energy, biotechnology, and aerospace. He hoped the trip would offer a valuable opportunity to deepen relations with Latin American nations further.

Looking ahead, Yoon previewed the key themes for South Korea’s hosting of the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, focusing on Connectivity, Innovation, and Prosperity. He stressed that the summit would aim to foster discussions on “A Sustainable Tomorrow We Create Together” and emphasized South Korea’s commitment to advancing APEC’s goal of a more open and peaceful Asia-Pacific region.