South Korea Urges Peace Talks to Finally End Korean War

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on Saturday for talks with North Korea aimed at achieving peaceful coexistence, as he urged efforts to end the Korean war that ended in a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty.

Speaking in a speech marking the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee said the two Koreas should hold a meeting focused on coexistence. He said Seoul would seek safeguards to prevent conflict and argued that the peninsula’s armistice should be replaced with a “peace regime”.

Call For Coexistence

Lee urged dialogue between North Korea and “concerned parties” to bring an end to the 1950-53 Korean war. He said the conflict stopped with a ceasefire and that a formal peace agreement has not been reached.

His remarks also pointed to the need for discussions that could address security concerns on the peninsula. Lee said talks could include steps to curb North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

Seeking Safeguards And Nuclear Curbs

Lee said South Korea would take pre-emptive and sustained measures to ease tensions. He added that Seoul plans to build layered safeguards designed to contain any escalation.

The call echoed a pledge Lee made last year to respect North Korea’s system and to pursue peaceful coexistence with Pyongyang.

Frozen Ties And Prior Rejections

Relations between the two Koreas remain frozen. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has dropped a reunification policy, described the South as its most hostile state, and ordered stronger defences along the frontline.

North Korea has rejected Lee’s engagement proposals, criticised Seoul’s plan for nuclear-powered submarines, and denounced joint US-South Korean military exercises as provocations.

Approach To Japan

Lee also addressed relations with Japan, saying South Korea should confront the past while leaving open the future. He said he hoped to begin a new 60 years of peace and prosperity with Japan, characterising it as a close neighbour.

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15 August 2026