South Korean President Calls for Formal End to Korean War

POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung proposed on Saturday that Pyongyang engage in dialogue to formally end the Korean War, which has technically been ongoing for...

Editorial Desk

August 16, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung proposed on Saturday that Pyongyang engage in dialogue to formally end the Korean War, which has technically been ongoing for more than 70 years due to the lack of a peace treaty.

The Korean War, which began in 1950 and ended with an armistice in 1953, has left the two Koreas in a state of armed truce. President Lee’s proposal aims to move beyond the armistice and establish a lasting peace treaty.

In a televised address, President Lee stated, “It is time for us to move forward and formally end the Korean War. Through dialogue and negotiation, we can build a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

The proposal comes amid heightened tensions and sporadic diplomatic efforts between the two Koreas. While North Korea has not yet responded to the proposal, international observers view it as a significant step towards potential reconciliation.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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