The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea emphasized on the 13th that the restoration of the inter-Korean communication channels should be expedited. President Lee Jae-myung expressed his willingness to resume dialogue between the two Koreas, to which the ruling party responded.
Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae said at a Supreme Committee meeting held in the National Assembly that morning, "North Korea has responded to our actions. North Korea is dismantling the loudspeakers aimed at the South in the border area. It is a good sign for resuming inter-Korean dialogue," and added, "As the president said, I hope we can create an atmosphere for dialogue by putting aside hostile relations."
Earlier, President Lee remarked at a Cabinet meeting the previous day, "The division and the immense expenses incurred militarily are tough for both sides, so is there really a need to inflict pain and damage on each other?" He added, "I hope we can start communication and dialogue again as much as possible, improving each other's economic environment through a Korea that is underpinned by peace and stability."
Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki also requested the resumption of 'inter-Korean dialogue.' He assessed, "The dismantling of loudspeakers aimed at the North carries significant meaning in restoring the September 19 military agreement." He continued, "North and South Korea have acted simultaneously by halting anti-North Korean leaflets and balloon launches, stopping broadcasts aimed at each other, and dismantling loudspeakers. This simultaneous action between the two Koreas is a clear signal for restoring trust," and emphasized, "It must lead to dialogue and cooperation between the two Koreas. For this, we must expedite the restoration of communication channels to prevent accidental clashes and manage situations between the two Koreas."
As President Lee and President Donald Trump are scheduled to hold a South Korea-U.S. summit at the White House on the 25th (local time), the ruling party leadership highlighting movements to improve inter-Korean relations appears to be aimed at emphasizing our government's role in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.