South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on North Korea to begin talks aimed at formally ending the Korean War. The proposal comes as Pyongyang strengthens military ties with Russia. The two Koreas technically remain at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice. The countries have never signed a formal peace treaty.
Lee made the proposal during a ceremony marking Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. He urged both sides to abandon threats and begin discussions as directly involved parties.
“Let us put down our intention to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties,” Lee said.
He also linked the proposal to North Korea’s nuclear programme.
“Through this, it may also be possible to discuss effective measures to halt the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities,” he added.
Seoul Offers Talks Amid Rising Military Tensions
Lee’s proposal comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea recently condemned upcoming annual military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
Pyongyang warned that it could strengthen its deterrence measures in response. The exercises are scheduled to begin on Monday and will continue for 11 days.
North Korea has also expressed concern over Japan’s expanding military capabilities in the Pacific. Pyongyang has launched two missiles within two weeks following Tokyo’s pledge to strengthen its defence capabilities.
North Korea has repeatedly described itself as an “irreversible” nuclear state. Its position hardened after the 2019 summit between leader Kim Jong Un and then-US President Donald Trump ended without an agreement.
Lee Shifts South Korea’s Approach to Pyongyang
Lee, who took office last June, has adopted a more conciliatory approach towards North Korea. He has offered talks without preconditions while moving away from the tougher policies of his predecessor.
Last month, South Korea’s unification minister said Seoul had moved away from prioritising pressure on Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear weapons.
Instead, the government now aims to focus on preventing further expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. However, Pyongyang has not responded positively to Seoul’s repeated offers.
North Korea has instead strengthened its relationship with Russia. Analysts believe Pyongyang receives financial support, food, energy and military technology from Moscow.
North Korea Deepens Military Ties With Russia
North Korea has reportedly supplied troops and ammunition to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Analysts say the cooperation could provide Pyongyang with valuable military experience and technology.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is also expected to visit Russia later this year. The visit could include discussions about additional weapons supplies and military cooperation.
The growing relationship has raised concerns in Washington and Seoul. The United States maintains around 28,500 troops in South Korea to help defend the country against threats from Pyongyang.
Colonel Ryan Donald, spokesman for the US and South Korean combined forces command, said North Korea’s involvement in the European conflict had changed the threat faced by allied troops.
“They’ve taken those lessons they learned there and brought them back to North Korea,” he told reporters.
The comments came as the allies prepared for their upcoming joint military exercises. Meanwhile, Lee’s latest proposal signals Seoul’s continued effort to reopen dialogue despite growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Whether North Korea accepts the offer remains uncertain. However, Seoul appears determined to pursue dialogue while seeking ways to limit further nuclear and military escalation.
