In a bid to rebuild trust and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae-myung has announced plans to gradually implement existing inter-Korean agreements. The move, described as a 'pebble-by-pebble' approach, aims to lay the groundwork for long-term peace with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Building Trust, Pebble by Pebble 🧩
During a cabinet meeting, President Lee directed ministries to prioritize feasible measures first, emphasizing that small, consistent actions could 'widen the path of peace.' He stressed the importance of maintaining strong preparedness while taking steps to foster mutual trust—a strategy he likened to stacking pebbles into a foundation for shared growth.
Reviving the 2018 Military Agreement ⚖️
Key to the plan is reviving the September 19 military agreement, signed during the historic 2018 inter-Korean summit. The pact, designed to prevent accidental clashes and build military trust, saw setbacks in recent years. Lee’s push to restore it signals a renewed focus on dialogue over escalation.
This announcement follows Lee’s Liberation Day speech last week, where he vowed to pursue 'consistent measures' for peace. While challenges remain, the phased approach offers a glimmer of hope for stability in one of Asia’s most politically charged regions.
