South Korea's president-elect said Jan. 14 he is willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Il if it would help in ending his reclusive neighbor's nuclear weapons program.

Lee Myung Bak, who takes office Feb. 25, has pledged to take a tough line with Pyongyang, but also said he would implement a massive aid package for the impoverished state if it abandons nuclear arms.

Lee said his government would be willing to follow through on the pledges outgoing President Roh Moo Hyun made for aid, which could be worth billions of dollars, "as long as they meet business feasibility standards."