The Lee Jae Myung government has shifted its focus to peaceful two-state coexistence with North Korea in its unification ministry white paper released on Monday. This marks a clear departure from the previous administration's approach.
The white paper laid out three key principles: Seoul respects North Korea's system, does not pursue unification by absorption and does not engage in hostile activities. The government has framed its policy as one of peaceful coexistence and mutual growth on the Korean Peninsula.
In response to Pyongyang's two hostile states policy declared in December 2023, the document called for a transition to a peace-oriented two-state relationship. The ministry said, "Considering the reality that the South and the North exist as two de facto states, we intend to develop inter-Korean relations into a relationship of peaceful coexistence while still aiming for unification."
The Lee government cited its halt of anti-Pyongyang leaflets and loudspeaker broadcasts as steps to ease tension. It also plans to revive the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement signed in 2018.
Relations remain frozen with no human exchanges for five years and no economic ties. Pyongyang has revised its constitution to remove unification references and cut remaining links.
