South Korean President Lee Jaemyung called on North Korea to rebuild trust and resume dialogue following recent tensions between the two Koreas. His remarks came a day after Seoul and Pyongyang exchanged accusations over a landmine incident near the border, which South Korea’s military and the United Nations Command characterized as a violation of the Korean War armistice.

Speaking on South Korea’s Armed Forces Day, Lee emphasized the necessity of reestablishing communication after a prolonged period of stagnation. He expressed hope that North Korea would engage constructively to restore stability on the Korean Peninsula.

In the same address, Lee reaffirmed his administration’s objective to assume wartime operational control from the United States—a move aimed at strengthening South Korea’s autonomous defence capabilities. This transfer of command has been a long-standing goal for South Korean leaders, reflecting a desire to enhance national sovereignty in military affairs.

Lee also outlined plans to bolster the country’s defense technology. He announced intentions to develop nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s, enhance missile defense systems with advanced artificial intelligence-based command and control, and deploy high-energy laser interceptors. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernize South Korea’s military amid evolving regional security challenges.

Despite Seoul’s efforts to reopen channels for dialogue, North Korea has largely dismissed these overtures. Meanwhile, Pyongyang has continued construction and reinforcement activities along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), further escalating tension along the border.

The landmine incident that triggered the recent exchange of accusations remains a contentious issue. South Korea and the U.N. Command have attributed responsibility to North Korea, citing it as a breach of the armistice agreement signed in 1953. Pyongyang has denied any wrongdoing and condemned Seoul’s accusations, contributing to an ongoing stalemate in inter-Korean relations.

As both sides grapple with these tensions, President Lee’s call for renewed dialogue underscores South Korea’s pursuit of stability and security on the peninsula, even as challenges persist in achieving substantive progress.