South Korea Offers North Talks to Formally End Korean War

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed talks with North Korea on formally ending the Korean War, which has technically remained unresolved since an armistice was signed in 1953.

Speaking at a ceremony marking Liberation Day, Lee called for the two Koreas to set aside threats and begin discussions as the parties directly involved in the conflict.

“Let us put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties,” Lee said.

He proposed a “multi-layered security system” aimed at preventing military flare-ups along the Demilitarized Zone, the heavily fortified border separating the two countries.

Lee also offered to discuss practical measures to halt the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, saying dialogue could provide a platform for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth.

The Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two countries technically at war.

Tensions have persisted along the border, with both sides accusing each other of provocations. Recent disputes have included North Korean missile tests and the exchange of balloons carrying rubbish and propaganda.

North Korea has not publicly responded to Lee’s latest proposal.

Pyongyang has previously rejected efforts by Lee to improve relations, including criticism of closer military cooperation between South Korea and the United States.

North Korea has also opposed plans for the United States to build South Korea a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and has continued developing its nuclear weapons program.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in January 2024 that peaceful unification with South Korea was no longer possible, declaring the South a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy.”

North Korea declared itself a nuclear-armed state in 2022 and has repeatedly vowed not to give up its nuclear weapons.

Lee has previously said North Korea could be producing about 15 to 20 additional nuclear warheads a year and has indicated support for a possible U.S.-North Korean agreement to freeze the North’s nuclear production.

U.S. President Donald Trump met Kim during his first term and has expressed interest in another meeting when conditions are appropriate.

Despite Lee’s call for dialogue, tensions remain high.

North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday, its 11th suspected missile test of the year, just days before a scheduled joint military exercise involving U.S. and South Korean forces.

The latest proposal comes as Lee seeks to ease tensions with North Korea and improve relations with China after ties deteriorated during the administration of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol.

Whether Pyongyang will accept Lee’s offer remains uncertain, with North Korea continuing to expand its missile and nuclear capabilities while rejecting Seoul’s previous overtures for engagement.