South Korean president calls for restoring contacts with Pyongyang as a starting point for “peaceful coexistence”

President Lee’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of the 22nd Advisory Council on Peaceful Unification. He emphasized that unification is a “historic mission” and an “inevitable path.” He also stressed that Seoul must continue striving toward this goal, even if it takes thousands of years.

Ending the hostility and changing the relationship

Lee Jae-myung described his vision for the future of inter-Korean relations, saying, “The historic task entrusted to us is to end hostility and confrontation. It also includes building a new relationship between the two Koreas based on peaceful coexistence.” He proposed immediately restoring the closed lines of communication.

President Lee Jae-myung assured Pyongyang that Seoul was not seeking to impose its will or achieve unification through assimilation.

Unilateral initiatives

Since taking office in June, Lee’s administration has committed to a series of initiatives aimed at easing tensions. These initiatives have included suspending propaganda broadcasts via loudspeakers along the border and banning anti-North Korea leaflet distribution campaigns by civic groups.

However, Seoul’s efforts remain shrouded in uncertainty given Pyongyang’s lack of response to these initiatives. North Korea has so far remained silent regarding the South Korean proposal, which was put forward last month, to hold military talks to discuss the military demarcation line.