South Korean President calls for peace with North Korea
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday proposed that South and North Korea begin a dialogue on transitioning from a ceasefire to a peace regime, Yonhap News reports.
The South Korean President expressed his support for a peace agreement with the DPRK.
Lee Jae-myung called on the parties to "abandon their intentions to threaten each other" and engage in dialogue as directly interested parties. He expressed his intention to replace the "unstable armistice system"—the Korean War of 1950-1953 ended only with an armistice—with a full-fledged peace regime.
The head of state reaffirmed his commitment to respecting the existing system in North Korea, not seeking unification through absorption, and not committing hostile acts. He called on South and North Korea to respect each other, end confrontation, and "reduce hostility in perceptions, norms, and institutional systems."
The President also advocated the creation of a "multi-layered security system" to manage tensions and prevent crises. "By encouraging the North to respond positively, I will create conditions for stability on the Korean Peninsula," Lee Jae-myung said, noting that peace on the peninsula will promote stability and cooperation in the region.
Regarding relations with Japan, Lee praised the development of "shuttle diplomacy" over the past year, which has strengthened trust and expanded cooperation in supply chains, energy, and technology. Lee Jae-myung expressed hope for further expansion of cooperation with Tokyo.