SEOUL, South Korea — President Moon Jae-in of South Korea said on Friday that he would take a tougher line with North Korea than his progressive predecessors, vowing to strengthen the military even as the two Koreas agreed to start high-level talks next week.
“I won’t be weak-kneed or just focus on dialogue, as we did in the past,” Mr. Moon told leaders of the Korean Senior Citizens Association. “I will push for dialogue and pursue peace, but will do so based on a strong national defense capability.”
In inviting members of the association to the presidential residence, Mr.