Lee proposes talks with NK to formally end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

President Lee Jae Myung suggested that the two Koreas initiate discussions aimed at formally concluding their prolonged conflict and addressing practical measures to curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions. This proposal was unveiled during a ceremony commemorating the 81st Liberation Day, a day that marks Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.

Lee emphasized the need to cease threats and engage in direct talks as the parties directly involved in the conflict. He further suggested that these discussions might also encompass effective strategies to impede the North's nuclear progress. The Korean Peninsula has been in a state of war since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, which was not marked by a peace treaty but an armistice.

Lee expressed his intent to embark on a mission to resolve this war and replace the unstable armistice system with a peace regime. Despite Lee's initiative, the North has remained unresponsive to Seoul's previous conciliatory moves since Lee assumed office in June of the previous year. In his Liberation Day speech, Lee reiterated his commitment to seek a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.