South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has proposed opening talks with North Korea to officially end the Korean War after the two countries have technically been at war for over 70 years. Pyongyang has not yet responded to the proposal.
President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea proposed that South and North Korea reopen negotiations to officially end the Korean War, stating that both sides should set aside hostile intentions and engage directly as conflicting parties.
Lee Jae-myung said during a ceremony commemorating Korea's liberation from Japanese rule on Saturday, 15 August, that it is time for both Koreas to end the long-standing war and begin earnest talks.
The South Korean leader also noted that the talks could pave the way for discussing effective measures to halt the expansion of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, which is a critical security issue on the Korean Peninsula.
The Korean War occurred between 1950 and 1953 after North Korea attacked South Korea. The war ended with an armistice agreement, not a peace treaty, meaning that technically North and South Korea remain at war to this day.
The South Korean leader's proposal comes amid ongoing tensions on the peninsula, as North Korea recently condemned the annual joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, set to begin this Monday, warning it may take stronger deterrent measures.
Additionally, North Korea expressed dissatisfaction over Japan's increasing military capabilities in the Pacific region, having launched two missile tests in recent weeks following Japan's announcement to enhance its defense capabilities amid security concerns.
North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an irreversible nuclear state following the failed 2019 Hanoi summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-U.S. President Donald Trump, which ended without an agreement on denuclearization and sanctions relief.
Since taking office in June 2025, President Lee, who favors a softer approach toward North Korea, has shifted from previous administrations by proposing talks without preconditions.
In July, South Korea’s Unification Minister also stated that the government has ended its policy of pressuring North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons and is instead focusing on halting the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear program.
However, North Korea has yet to respond to multiple negotiation offers from Seoul and has instead intensified military cooperation with Russia.
Analysts believe North Korea receives funding, food, energy, and military technology from Russia in exchange for personnel and weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. It is also speculated that Kim Jong Un may visit Russia later this year to discuss further arms deliveries.
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