Decades after the armistice stopped open fighting, Seoul is proposing a new framework that could reshape its tense relationship with Pyongyang.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on August 15 called for resuming dialogue with North Korea to ensure peaceful coexistence and prevent a new conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

In a speech marking the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, he said Seoul would seek to create mechanisms to prevent escalation. One of the key objectives, he said, was replacing the current armistice with a full-fledged peace regime.

South Korea Proposes Peace Talks

Lee Jae Myung emphasized that the two Koreas must sit down at the negotiating table for the sake of coexistence. He also called on North Korea and other interested parties to begin dialogue on formally ending the 1950–1953 Korean War.

The war ended with the signing of an armistice agreement rather than a peace treaty. According to Lee Jae Myung, negotiations could also include efforts to identify effective measures to limit Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.

Seoul, he said, intends to reduce tensions proactively and consistently, while also establishing multilayered safeguards to prevent a crisis from escalating into an armed confrontation.

Relations Between the Two Koreas Remain Frozen

Lee Jae Myung’s current position largely continues the pledge he made last year: to respect North Korea’s system and seek opportunities for peaceful coexistence with Pyongyang.

At the same time, contacts between South and North Korea have effectively come to a halt. Kim Jong Un has abandoned the policy of reunification, described South Korea as the most hostile state, and ordered stronger defenses along the front line.

Pyongyang has already rejected Lee Jae Myung’s proposals to establish contacts. North Korea has also criticized Seoul’s plans for nuclear-powered submarines and described joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises as provocations.

Lee Jae Myung’s Statement on Relations with Japan

Separately, the South Korean president spoke about relations with Japan. He said there was a need to confront historical issues honestly while keeping the path open for future cooperation.

Lee Jae Myung expressed hope that South Korea and Japan, as close neighbors, could begin a new 60-year period of peace and prosperity.