S. Korea urges N. Korea to reopen dialogue for peaceful coexistence
Speaking at an event marking the launch of the 22nd Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, Lee said, “The historic task given to us is to end hostility and confrontation between the two Koreas, and to build a new inter-Korean relationship based on peaceful existence.” He emphasized that unification is a long-term goal that must be pursued, whether it takes decades or even a millennium, according to reports.
Lee suggested that initial progress should focus on reestablishing dialogue and communication, clarifying that Seoul has no intention of pursuing unification through absorption. Since taking office in June, his administration has sought to ease tensions by halting border broadcasts and discouraging anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns. However, engagement remains uncertain as Pyongyang has not responded to South Korea’s overtures, including proposals for military talks.
Addressing opposition calls for nuclear armament, Lee rejected the idea, stating, “If we were to go nuclear, it would be impossible to gain the approval of the US or the international community, and economic and international sanctions would immediately follow. Would we be able to bear that?” Similarly, South Korea’s Foreign Minister warned that abandoning the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty could turn the country into a “second North Korea.”
Separately, Seoul reaffirmed its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as it advances plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines. During a meeting in Seoul, the director of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organizations and Nuclear Affairs Bureau assured the International Atomic Energy Agency that South Korea would maintain full transparency and cooperation. The two sides also discussed North Korea’s nuclear program.
In October, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration would share nuclear propulsion technologies with South Korea, enabling the nation’s navy to construct at least one nuclear-powered submarine. South Korea’s Defense Ministry later stated its plan to launch a domestically built nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-to-late 2030s.
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