South Korean President Proposes Inter-Korean Working Group to Ease Tensions

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed establishing a working-level consultative body with North Korea to ease tensions and resume economic cooperation. In his National Liberation Day speech, Yoon offered political and economic cooperation if North Korea moves towards denuclearization, highlighting a vision for unification despite current strained relations.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered on Thursday to establish a working-level consultative body with North Korea to discuss ways to ease tensions and resume economic cooperation. He unveiled his vision for unification during a National Liberation Day speech, marking the 79th anniversary of independence from Japan's colonial rule.

Yoon emphasized readiness to commence political and economic cooperation provided North Korea takes steps towards denuclearization. The President's initiative follows a recent offer of relief supplies for flood damage in North Korea, which was declined by Pyongyang. Despite strained ties, Yoon believes dialogue and cooperation can yield substantive progress.

Yoon also proposed launching an international conference on North Korea's human rights and a fund to increase global awareness, support activist groups, and expand access to outside information. This proposal comes amid heightened political polarization in South Korea over his appointment of a controversial figure to oversee a national independence museum.

(With inputs from agencies.)