WORLD NEWS – South Korea moves to restore military pact with North Korea amid tensions

Ananya Roy, News Writer

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to reinstate the September 19 Comprehensive Military Agreement, a 2018 de-escalation pact with North Korea, in an effort to reduce border tensions and prevent accidental clashes. The agreement, which had lapsed amid rising cross-border conflicts, includes measures such as limiting military drills, banning live-fire exercises in certain areas, imposing no-fly zones, and maintaining direct hotlines between the militaries. Lee emphasized that lowering hostility benefits both Koreas and called on North Korea to reciprocate in rebuilding trust.

Lee’s move follows a series of steps to ease tensions, including halting anti-North Korea leaflet balloons and dismantling loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the heavily militarized border. Analysts predict Pyongyang may either dismiss or criticize the effort, noting previous breakdowns in the military pact. Meanwhile, Lee is preparing for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking stronger incentives for North Korea to re-engage in dialogue. He also plans a visit to Japan to advance pragmatic, forward-looking relations amid ongoing regional challenges.