South Korea proposes talks to end Korean War

On August 15, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed talks with North Korea to formally end the Korean War, which remains technically ongoing since the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. In his Liberation Day speech, Lee called on the two Koreas to 'put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties.' He also suggested that such talks could explore effective measures to halt the advancement of North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Lee's proposal comes amid heightened tensions: North Korea has denounced upcoming US-South Korean military drills, fired missiles in response to Japan's military build-up, and deepened military ties with Russia, reportedly receiving financial support, food, energy, and military technology in exchange for troops and munitions for Russia's war in Ukraine. North Korea has not responded to Lee's repeated offers, and Kim Jong Un is expected to visit Russia later this year. Lee, who took office in June 2025, has reversed the hawkish stance of his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, offering talks without preconditions. The United States maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea, and the International — Combined Forces Command has adjusted training to account for lessons North Korea learned in Ukraine.