Lee Jae Myung Seeks North Korea Talks as Seoul Plans Military Buildup

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on North Korea to restore trust and resume dialogue, while outlining plans to strengthen the country's military capabilities amid renewed tensions along the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking on Armed Forces Day, Lee said his administration would continue pursuing practical measures to reduce military tensions between the two Koreas. His remarks came a day after South Korea and the UN Command accused North Korea of violating the Korean War armistice over a recent landmine incident in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

North Korea has rejected the accusation, with Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accusing Seoul of fabricating the findings and warning of retaliation.

• Lee Jae Myung urges North Korea dialogue amid rising DMZ tensions
• South Korea plans nuclear submarines and AI defense upgrades
• Seoul balances North Korea diplomacy with military modernization

Lee Calls for Renewed Dialogue With North Korea

Lee said South Korea wanted to move toward rebuilding trust and restarting dialogue after a prolonged period of strained relations.

His government has sought to reopen communication with Pyongyang, although North Korea has largely rejected Seoul's overtures. Pyongyang has also continued strengthening military infrastructure and fortifying areas along the DMZ.

The latest appeal for dialogue follows a landmine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers. South Korea's military and the UN Command said the incident was linked to North Korean activity and represented an armistice violation.

North Korea has disputed those findings, setting the stage for another exchange of accusations between the two sides.

South Korea Plans Nuclear Submarines and AI Defense Systems

Alongside his call for dialogue, Lee outlined a broader military modernization program focused on strengthening South Korea's ability to respond to future security threats.

He said the country plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s, while upgrading its missile-defense capabilities.

The proposed modernization will include AI-based command-and-control systems and high-energy laser interceptors, as Seoul seeks to improve its ability to detect and respond to missile threats.

Lee also called for expanded use of artificial intelligence across the military and a restructuring of the armed forces to prepare for future forms of warfare.

Seoul Seeks Greater Control Over Wartime Defense

Lee also reaffirmed his goal of securing the transfer of wartime operational control from the United States to South Korea.

The move forms part of Seoul's longer-term effort to develop a more self-reliant national defense structure while maintaining its security relationship with Washington.

The planned reforms will also focus on strengthening South Korea's three-axis defence system, which is designed to detect and counter missile and other military threats from North Korea.

The combination of operational-control reforms, advanced weapons systems and AI capabilities points to a broader restructuring of South Korea's defense posture.

North Korea Rejects Seoul's Findings as Tensions Continue

North Korea's response has remained confrontational. Kim Yo Jong rejected the findings surrounding the DMZ landmine incident and accused South Korea of manipulating the results.

Her warning of retaliation adds another layer of uncertainty to Seoul's efforts to reopen dialogue.

While Lee's administration has continued calling for reduced military tensions and renewed communication, Pyongyang has maintained its focus on border fortifications and military preparedness.

The contrasting positions leave South Korea pursuing two parallel tracks: seeking diplomatic engagement with North Korea while expanding its own military capabilities.

The developments come as Seoul seeks to reshape its defense strategy around advanced technologies, stronger missile defenses and greater operational independence, even as Lee continues to call for a return to dialogue with Pyongyang.