A ruling Democratic Party lawmaker says North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile provocations make it inevitable for South Korea to increase pressure on North Korea.

Representative  Lee Soo-hyuck, speaking to local radio on Wednesday, said the Moon Jae-in administration has heavily focused on inter-Korean dialogue since its launch. But in light of the current situation, he thinks it may be time for the government to start using coercive diplomacy to pressure the regime.

Lee even said a paradigm shift needs to be considered in dealing with the North. 

The lawmaker served as Seoul’s chief negotiator for the six-party talks on denuclearizing North Korea during the Roh Moo-hyun administration.
 

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