Kathmandu— South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed Saturday that North Korea engage in dialogue to officially conclude the Korean War, a conflict that has remained unresolved for over 70 years despite an armistice signed in 1953. Addressing the nation on Liberation Day—commemorating Korea’s freedom from Japanese colonial rule—Lee outlined his vision for improved inter-Korean relations and offered discussions not only to end hostilities but also to find “effective ways to halt the advancement of the North’s nuclear capabilities.” The proposal comes after a period of strained ties under Lee's predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached last year following an attempt to declare martial law.

Seeking Formal End to Hostilities

Lee made his appeal in a speech marking the 81st Liberation Day, emphasizing the need for direct talks between the two Koreas to formally end the war. He urged both sides to move beyond threats and begin discussions as directly involved parties. The Korean War concluded with an armistice agreement, but without a formal peace treaty, technically leaving the nations still at war after more than seven decades.

Addressing Nuclear Concerns

Alongside ending the state of war, Lee expressed hope that dialogue could provide a platform to address North Korea’s nuclear development. He suggested discussions on “effective ways to halt the advancement” of these capabilities, signaling a willingness to engage on one of the most pressing security issues in the region. The president stated his desire for both countries to “sit face-to-face for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth.”

Recent Efforts at De-escalation

Lee’s proposal follows recent attempts to ease tensions between the two Koreas. In April, he issued an apology to North Korea regarding drone incursions into its airspace. South Korean prosecutors had previously indicted three individuals—including a National Intelligence Service employee and a military officer—for operating unmanned aerial vehicles over North Korean territory between September 2025 and January 2026, after initially denying official involvement.

North Korea’s Stance

Despite these overtures, North Korea has yet to respond to Lee's proposal. In March, Kim Jong Un characterized South Korea as the “most hostile state,” vowing retaliation for perceived provocations and stating Seoul would “pay the price.” This rhetoric underscores the significant challenges facing any attempt at dialogue.

As of Saturday, Pyongyang had not issued a public response to President Lee’s proposal, leaving the future of inter-Korean talks uncertain. The success of this initiative will likely depend on North Korea's willingness to engage in meaningful discussions.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.