South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has renewed calls for sustained dialogue with North Korea, warning that the situation on the Korean Peninsula has become increasingly volatile. His remarks, reported by Yonhap News Agency, were delivered during a press conference held aboard his flight from Johannesburg to Ankara on Sunday. The stop was part of his broader four-nation tour across Africa and the Middle East.
Lee described the current security environment as “extremely dangerous,” stressing that accidental clashes between the two Koreas could occur without warning. He noted that with tensions rising rapidly, the absence of communication channels makes the situation far more unpredictable. “The peninsula is in a very dangerous situation where accidental clashes could occur at any moment,” he said, emphasising the urgency of re-establishing diplomatic contact.
The president explained that relations between Seoul and Pyongyang have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with mistrust deepening and both sides engaging in increasingly confrontational behaviour. He pointed out that dialogue had stalled to the extent that even basic communication mechanisms, which previously helped prevent misunderstandings, are now completely severed. With no hotline or military communication line in operation, Lee said the risk of escalation from a minor incident is significantly higher.
Lee stressed that South Korea must continue to pursue dialogue with patience, even if immediate progress seems unlikely. He said a long term commitment to diplomacy is essential for improving inter Korean relations and reducing the risk of miscalculation. According to Lee, efforts to rebuild trust will take time, but abandoning dialogue would only worsen instability.
During the press conference, Lee was also asked whether Seoul would consider scaling down joint military exercises with the United States as a gesture to encourage North Korea back to the negotiating table. He replied that such a step could only be taken if a stable peace regime were firmly established between the two sides. Until meaningful progress is made, Lee said the exercises remain an important element of national security, helping maintain readiness in the face of continued missile tests and military developments in the North.
Analysts say Lee’s remarks reflect growing anxiety within South Korea’s leadership as tensions on the peninsula continue to climb. North Korea has conducted frequent missile launches, strengthened its military posture, and issued aggressive statements, further straining an already fragile relationship. Experts warn that without communication or crisis management channels, even minor incidents could escalate rapidly, especially along the heavily fortified border.
Lee also hinted that South Korea would continue working with international partners, including the United States and regional stakeholders, to stabilise the situation. However, he emphasized that ultimately the Korean Peninsula’s long term peace depends on direct engagement between Seoul and Pyongyang.
As Lee continues his international trip, his comments make clear that he intends to keep the option for dialogue open, despite mounting challenges. He stressed that diplomacy remains the only path toward reducing tensions and preventing conflict, adding that South Korea will continue seeking ways to reopen communication and rebuild trust.
