Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced his commitment to respecting North Korea's political system and ruled out the pursuit of unification by absorption, while also pledging to revive the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing tensions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's remarks came during a speech celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. His address followed comments from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who dismissed recent diplomatic overtures from Lee's administration as unrealistic.
During the ceremony at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts, Lee emphasized respect for North Korea's current system and clarified that South Korea has no intentions of hostile actions or unification by absorption. He outlined plans for "proactive, gradual steps" to restore the 2018 military tension reduction pact, which aims to prevent accidental clashes and foster trust between the two Koreas.
Lee underscored that denuclearization is essential for a peaceful Korean Peninsula, emphasizing the need for cooperation with neighboring countries. Restoring the military agreement, suspended during the previous conservative administration, was one of Lee's campaign promises. Since assuming office in June, Lee has initiated several measures to improve inter-Korean relations, including halting propaganda broadcasts along the border and urging activists to cease sending balloons across it.
Despite these efforts, Kim Yo-jong refuted reports that North Korea was dismantling its propaganda loudspeakers. Lee reiterated the importance of building trust to resume dialogue, expressing hope that North Korea will respond positively to these efforts.
On the topic of Japan, Lee advocated for "forward-looking, mutually beneficial cooperation" through active shuttle diplomacy. He is scheduled to visit Tokyo for summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and subsequently meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Lee stressed the importance of addressing historical grievances and redefining bilateral ties with Japan, describing the country as an essential partner in economic development.
Lee's upcoming visit to Japan on August 23-24 aims to strengthen personal ties with Ishiba and discuss trilateral cooperation with the United States, as well as regional peace and stability, according to the presidential office.