South Korea's ruling Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok warned on Monday that Seoul must build stronger independent defence capabilities in anticipation of a potential shift in US–North Korea relations. Speaking in a policy address to the National Assembly (South Korea's unicameral parliament), Kim said Washington may pursue a "freeze-first, resolve-later" approach to Pyongyang's nuclear programme — under which North Korea halts but does not dismantle its arsenal — leaving Seoul unable to rely solely on US security guarantees. Kim also urged South Korea not to dismiss Kim Jong-un's "two-state" policy outright, suggesting it could be explored as a framework for peaceful coexistence, while his domestic agenda included a constitutional revision and a focus on public welfare.