South Korea’s leader calls for ending the “war” with North Korea and pursuing “peaceful coexistence,” according to reporting on his remarks. The statements focus on shifting away from a long-running confrontation toward a more stable relationship with the North.
The Korean War that began in 1950 and ended in 1953 is not concluded by a formal peace treaty. Instead, the fighting ends with a ceasefire and ongoing tension. In this context, outlets note that the leader’s language about “ending the war” reflects the gap between the ceasefire arrangement and the absence of a treaty that would formally end hostilities.
While the overall message is consistent across coverage, outlets frame it differently: one emphasizes the historical distinction between a ceasefire and a peace treaty, while another highlights the call itself and the stated goal of peaceful coexistence. Both refer to the broader push for de-escalation and improved inter-Korean relations, while not presenting new concrete steps beyond the leader’s appeal.