South Korean President Proposes Peace Talks with North Korea, Urges End to Korean War

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for North Korea to engage in direct negotiations aimed at establishing a permanent peace agreement, moving beyond temporary cease-fires. In a speech commemorating Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, Lee emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas. He specifically urged dialogue to formally end the Korean War, which has technically continued since the 1950-1953 armistice. The South Korean president also suggested that discussions could include measures to limit Pyongyang's nuclear potential. Lee stated that Seoul would take proactive and consistent steps to de-escalate tensions and implement multi-layered security measures to manage potential escalation. This initiative builds on Lee's previous commitment to respect North Korea's system and pursue peaceful coexistence. However, inter-Korean relations remain frozen. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has abandoned reunification policies, labeled South Korea as its most hostile state, and ordered the strengthening of front-line defenses. Pyongyang has also rejected Lee's dialogue proposals, criticized Seoul's plans for nuclear submarines, and characterized joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises as provocations. Addressing relations with Japan, Lee encouraged looking beyond past grievances toward a future of 60 years of peace and prosperity. Recent statements from North Korea have warned that upcoming U.S.-South Korea military actions are bringing the world closer to nuclear war and asserted its right to self-defense. There are also reports that North Korean soldiers participating in Russia's war in Ukraine have gained modern combat experience and tested missile systems.

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Both Koreas should start negotiations for peaceful coexistence.