During a recent cabinet meeting, Republic of Korea President Lee Jae-myung ordered a step-by-step rollout of existing inter-Korean agreements, starting with the easiest to implement. The move aims to reduce tensions with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) while maintaining ironclad preparedness.
Echoing his Liberation Day speech, Lee emphasized that small actions, built up like pebbles, can restore mutual trust, widen the path to peace, and create a foundation for both sides to grow together. Early steps will focus on humanitarian and cultural exchanges before advancing to more complex military and economic measures.
One priority is to revive the September 19, 2018 military agreement, originally signed during the inter-Korean summit. This deal was designed to prevent accidental clashes and build military trust along the border. By restoring key provisions—such as buffer zones and real-time communication channels—Seoul hopes to lower the risk of misunderstandings that could spark conflict.
Lee’s phased approach reflects a broader strategy: balance careful diplomacy with robust defense readiness. Analysts say incremental progress on existing agreements could pave the way for larger breakthroughs, even if the political climate remains uncertain.
As young global citizens watch these developments, the phased plan offers a concrete example of how patience and practical steps can shape peace on one of the world’s most divided frontiers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
