More than seven decades after fighting stopped on the Korean Peninsula, the war between North and South Korea has never officially ended. The absence of a formal peace agreement continues to shape diplomacy and security across the region.
South Korea is now urging a new step toward stability. A proposal from Seoul calls for a declaration that would formally end the Korean War, a move officials believe could ease tensions and reopen diplomatic channels with North Korea.
Seoul’s Proposal to End the Korean War
South Korea’s Unification Ministry presented a policy report to the National Assembly’s foreign affairs and unification committee, outlining a plan to pursue a political declaration that would formally mark the end of the Korean War. The report was also shared with reporters on Friday.
The proposal reflects the broader diplomatic direction of President Lee Jae Myung, who has emphasized stabilizing inter-Korean relations after several years of strained ties and rising military pressure.
According to the ministry’s report, Seoul plans to promote a “peace declaration” that demonstrates political willingness to end the conflict. Officials described the declaration as the starting point for deeper discussions about building a permanent peace system on the Korean Peninsula.
The report stated:
“Seoul will promote a ‘peace declaration’ reflecting the political will to end the Korean War and initiate discussions on establishing a peace regime, including the signing of a peace treaty.”
The Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, ended with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty. Because of that agreement, North and South Korea remain technically at war.
Building a Framework for Lasting Peace
Officials in Seoul believe a peace declaration could serve as a foundation for shifting away from the current armistice structure. The government views it as an early step toward building a long-term peace framework and supporting what it describes as a policy of peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas.
The report arrived at a time when signals from Pyongyang remain mixed. During the recent Workers’ Party congress, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said there was “no reason” the country could not improve relations with the United States if Washington abandons what he described as its hostile policy.
His tone toward South Korea, however, remained harsh. Kim labeled the South “the most hostile entity” and criticized the Lee administration’s recent diplomatic gestures. Several confidence-building steps introduced by Seoul to reduce tensions were dismissed by Kim as “a clumsy, deceptive farce.”
South Korea’s Role in Reviving Diplomacy
President Lee Jae Myung has described South Korea’s diplomatic role as that of a “pacemaker” between Washington and Pyongyang. The strategy focuses on encouraging renewed negotiations between the United States and North Korea.
The Unification Ministry report noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to address the unresolved wartime status of the Korean Peninsula. Washington has also repeated its openness to talks with Pyongyang without preconditions.
To support this diplomatic push, Seoul plans to encourage the appointment of a U.S. special envoy for North Korea. The government also intends to strengthen coordination with neighboring countries to create conditions that might bring North Korea back to the negotiating table.
Military Exercises Could Raise Tensions
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the situation may face new pressure soon. South Korea and the United States are scheduled to begin their large-scale spring military exercise, Freedom Shield, on Monday.
Pyongyang regularly condemns these joint drills and describes them as rehearsals for an invasion. The ministry’s report warned that North Korea may respond with sharp statements or possible military provocations once the exercises begin.
South Korea’s proposal for a Korean War peace declaration signals an effort to ease tensions and reopen dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. Seoul hopes the move will shift discussions toward a formal peace system.
However, mixed signals from North Korea and ongoing military tensions continue to create uncertainty around future negotiations.
