South Korea’s President Pushes to Revive 2018 Pact with North Korea

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to restore the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement to de-escalate tensions with North Korea, delivering a televised address on the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

The agreement, originally signed during a period of diplomacy under former President Moon Jae-in, established buffer zones on land and sea and no-fly zones to prevent border clashes. Lee’s initiative follows the agreement’s suspension in 2024 by the previous conservative government, which cited North Korea’s provocative trash-laden balloon launches.

Lee emphasized a commitment to rebuilding trust, stating, “We will take proactive, gradual steps to restore the September 19 military agreement.” He reaffirmed South Korea’s respect for North Korea’s system, rejecting unification by absorption and hostile actions. Urging Pyongyang to resume dialogue, Lee acknowledged the complexity of denuclearization but stressed the importance of inter-Korean and US-North Korea talks for a peaceful resolution.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions, fueled by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and its growing alliance with Russia, including military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. North Korea, which declared South Korea a permanent enemy in 2024, has shown little interest in reviving diplomacy, with Kim Yo Jong recently dismissing Lee’s overtures and criticizing upcoming South Korea-US military exercises.

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Lee, who assumed office in June 2025 after the ouster of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, has taken steps to mend ties, including removing frontline loudspeakers used for anti-North Korean propaganda. However, analysts doubt North Korea’s willingness to reciprocate, given its focus on Russia and rejection of denuclearization talks. Lee’s push for peace underscores South Korea’s commitment to stability, but the path to renewed dialogue remains uncertain.

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