South Korea adopts ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ approach toward North Korea

Monday 18 May 2026 - 13:03

The government of South Korea has officially shifted its policy toward North Korea from confrontation to what it describes as “peaceful coexistence,” according to a new white paper released by the country’s Unification Ministry.

The document reflects the diplomatic direction of President Lee Jae Myung, whose administration has focused on rebuilding trust and reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula since taking office last year. The policy marks a clear contrast with the previous conservative government led by Yoon Suk Yeol, which emphasized pressure campaigns and the spread of outside information into North Korea.

According to the white paper, Seoul’s new strategy is based on three main principles: respecting North Korea’s political system, rejecting any attempt at forced unification, and avoiding hostile actions against Pyongyang.

As part of this approach, the South Korean government has suspended anti-North Korean leaflet campaigns and halted loudspeaker broadcasts along the heavily fortified border. Officials say these measures are intended to reduce military tensions and encourage dialogue between the two sides.

The paper also outlines plans to revive the inter-Korean military agreement signed in September 2018 by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The agreement was originally designed to lower the risk of military conflict and promote stability on the peninsula.

Relations between the two Koreas have remained largely frozen in recent years, with almost no economic cooperation or people-to-people exchanges taking place over the past five years.

Meanwhile, North Korea recently amended its constitution by removing references to reunification with the South and cutting several remaining inter-Korean ties, highlighting the continuing political divide despite renewed diplomatic efforts from Seoul.