President Lee Jae Myung Says Hope for North Korea Dialogue Remains, Despite No Response from Pyongyang

President Lee Jae Myung said Sunday he believes the "ember of hope" for reviving dialogue and cooperation with North Korea still exists. He made the remarks during a special Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrated by South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik under the theme of peace and solidarity.

Lee referred to the inter-Korean joint statement adopted June 15, 2000, calling it a "historic turning point" that signaled the possibility of overcoming inter-Korean tensions.

He noted the statement had led to reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as humanitarian cooperation and other exchanges. "I firmly believe the ember of that hope is still alive," Lee said. The president reiterated his administration's efforts to ease tensions, including the suspension of propaganda loudspeaker campaigns toward Pyongyang.

"Additionally, we have also made it clear that we will not seek unification by absorption or unilateral (ideological) competition," Lee said. "(We) will continue efforts to prevent accidental conflicts between the South and the North and to restore military trust," he added.

" Lee cited escalating international crises, including the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, while noting the Korean Peninsula has slid back to an era of rupture and severed dialogue.

"Distrust and tensions remain as ever," he said. The president expressed gratitude for the Vatican's support for Seoul's peace efforts, saying peace on the peninsula could contribute to global peace. Lee is visiting Italy as part of his first European trip since taking office in June 2025.