Lee Jae Myung proposes formal talks to replace 1953 armistice with peace treaty, ending Korean War after 73 years
South Korea's Lee Jae Myung has proposed formal talks with North Korea to replace the 1953 armistice with a peace treaty, ending the Korean War after 73 years. He also proposed curbing North Korea's nuclear program. Pyongyang has not responded, and is deepening ties with Russia i
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung used a speech marking the country's 81st Liberation Day to propose formal talks with North Korea aimed at replacing the unstable 1953 armistice with a lasting peace treaty, effectively ending the Korean War after 73 years, according to Yonhap news agency. Lee also proposed discussing practical ways to halt the advancement of North Korea's nuclear program and floated a multilayered security system intended to manage tensions and prevent crises on the peninsula. He has maintained a reconciliatory tone toward Pyongyang since taking office in June 2025. North Korea has given no public response to Seoul's outreach. The proposal comes as Pyongyang instead deepens its military ties with Russia, including recent meetings between Russian and North Korean officials in the Kremlin, leaving Lee's overture without an obvious counterpart willing to negotiate. The two Koreas have technically remained at war since the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.