Seoul: South Korea's President, Lee Jae Myung, has put forward a proposal for talks with North Korea to officially conclude the war that remains technically active between the two nations. Lee suggested implementing a "multi-layered security system" to prevent incidents along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and offered to discuss practical measures for halting North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
According to BBC, North Korea has consistently tested ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which has been perceived by South Korea and Japan as an attempt to intimidate and display power. The Korean conflict has been effectively frozen since the armistice in 1953, but tensions have persisted with accusations of provocations, including the use of propaganda balloons.
President Lee, who assumed office last year following the impeachment of his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, has aimed to improve relations with North Korea and its ally, China. "Let us put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties," Lee stated during a Liberation Day ceremony, which marks the peninsula's liberation from Japanese occupation.
Lee expressed optimism that the two Koreas could engage in dialogue for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth, suggesting this could provide a platform to address "effective ways to halt the advancement of the North's nuclear capabilities." North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and has vowed to retain its arsenal, estimated to consist of dozens of weapons.
Lee has previously indicated that Pyongyang produces 15 to 20 additional warheads annually. He has supported a potential agreement between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to freeze production as a "realistic" target, while Seoul continues to advocate for complete denuclearization.
Trump remains the only Western leader to have met Kim, an event that occurred during his initial term as US President. Although focusing on other regions since returning to the White House, Trump expressed hope last August to meet Kim again when "appropriate."
North Korea has yet to respond to Lee's proposal. Its state news agency reported on Kim Jong Un's own Liberation Day activities, which included a wreath-laying ceremony. Pyongyang has previously rejected Lee's engagement offers, criticizing a US deal to build nuclear-powered submarines for South Korea and condemning joint military exercises between the two allies.
In a demonstration of ongoing military assertiveness, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday, marking the 11th suspected test this year, just days before a scheduled US-South Korean joint military drill.