South Korea's Lee Calls for Talks to Formally End Korean War

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed opening a dialogue with North Korea to formally conclude the Korean War, suggesting the two sides set aside hostilities and work toward a lasting peace regime on the peninsula.

Speaking at the 81st Liberation Day ceremony in Seoul on Saturday, Lee said the current armistice system, in place since the 1950-53 conflict ended without a peace treaty, should be replaced through discussions among the parties concerned.

"Let us set aside mutual threats toward one another and begin discussions among the parties concerned to end this long-running war," Lee said. He added that such talks could also produce effective measures to halt the advancement of the North's nuclear program.

The overture comes days after South Korea and the United States announced plans to hold their annual joint military exercise. Since taking office in June last year, Lee's administration has made repeated reconciliatory gestures toward Pyongyang, but the North has remained unresponsive.

In his address, Lee also outlined plans for pragmatic diplomacy with Japan, citing progress made through shuttle diplomacy over the past year. He noted expanded cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced industries, as well as growing exchanges between younger generations.

"Going forward, our government will continue to pursue pragmatic diplomacy grounded in national interest, broadening the horizon of cooperation for mutual benefit," Lee said.