South Korea to End Some Military Activities on Border With North Korea

South Korea’s president said the move aimed to ease border tensions and encourage Pyongyang to respond to Seoul’s efforts to reopen inter-Korean dialogue.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, in Seoul on Aug. 15, 2025. Ahn Young-joon/Pool/AP Photo

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said on Friday he will restore the 2018 agreement with North Korea, which will end some military activities along their shared border.

During the speech given to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of Japanese colonial rule, Lee said his government will “proactively and gradually” restore the September 19 Comprehensive Military Agreement “to prevent accidental clashes between the South and the North, and build military trust.”