Lee outlines new dialogue initiative for peace on Korean Peninsula

▲ President Lee Jae Myung delivers a keynote speech at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Sept. 23, 2025. (Yonhap)

Lee-N Korea

Lee outlines new dialogue initiative for peace on Korean Peninsula

By Kim Eun-jung

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday put forward a dialogue initiative centering on "exchange," "normalization" and "denuclearization" to end confrontation and open a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula, the world's last remaining Cold War frontier.

Lee presented the "END" initiative at the U.N. General Assembly, reiterating his administration's push for "pragmatic" and "rational" solutions to North Korea's long-running nuclear quandary, while pointing to the stark reality that Pyongyang's denuclearization cannot be achieved "in the short term."

He did not go into detail about how to push for the dialogue formula, but it is expected to be a pillar of Seoul's efforts to encourage Pyongyang's denuclearization through various endeavors, including the potential resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.

His proposal came just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reiterated his regime's rejection of inter-Korean engagement and opposition to any talks on its nuclear program.

"Through comprehensive dialogue centered on 'Exchange,' 'Normalization,' and 'Denuclearization,' in other words, 'END,' we must end the era of hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and usher in a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth," Lee said in his address.

In a conciliatory signal to the North, Lee said his government "clearly reaffirms that it respects the North's current system, will not pursue any form of unification by absorption, and has no intention of engaging in hostile acts."

He underlined Seoul's intention to end a "vicious cycle" of unnecessary inter-Korean military tension and hostile acts, noting he had ordered the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts and the distribution of propaganda leaflets to the North as part of those efforts.

The president noted the need for international cooperation in denuclearization efforts.

"The international community must gather its wisdom in a pragmatic and phased solution beginning with a 'stop' in the sophistication of nuclear and missile capabilities, going through a 'reduction' process and reaching 'dismantlement," he said.

He was referring to the three-stage approach for North Korea's denuclearization, which Pyongyang has rejected.

In addition to inter-Korean efforts, Lee vowed to work with the international community, including the U.S.

At his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump last month, Lee expressed hope Trump would act as a "peacemaker" on the Korean Peninsula, while he himself would serve as "pacemaker."

"While striving to advance inter-Korean relations, we will provide our active support and cooperation for efforts to normalize relations with the international community, including between the United States and the DPRK," Lee said, referring to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently indicated his willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. if it drops its demand for the North's denuclearization, while noting that he personally has a "good memory" of Trump.

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