Seoul's Unification Ministry aims for 'peaceful coexistence' with North Korea in 2026 plan
by Thomas Maresca · UPIDec. 19 (UPI) -- South Korea's Unification Ministry on Friday said it aims to make 2026 the "first year of peaceful coexistence" on the Korean Peninsula, outlining plans to revive stalled diplomacy with North Korea despite a lack of response from Pyongyang and years of frozen inter-Korean ties.
The ministry presented its annual work plan to President Lee Jae Myung, setting out five core priorities for the coming year, including reviving U.S.-North Korea and inter-Korean talks, expanding humanitarian cooperation, promoting cross-border economic projects, supporting border communities and broadening public participation in peace and unification policy.
"To make 2026 the first year of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry of Unification will boldly pursue preemptive and practical peace-building measures," Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said in a statement.
At the center of the plan is Seoul's intention to act as a diplomatic "pacemaker" for renewed U.S.-North Korea talks. Measures include appointing a special envoy for peace on the Korean Peninsula and urging Washington to name a dedicated representative to oversee North Korea policy.
South Korean analysts have pointed to a planned visit to China by U.S. President Donald Trump as a potential opportunity to revive momentum for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
"The period leading up to U.S. President Trump's visit to China next April is crucial for the success of our North Korea policy," Chung said.
In a separate policy briefing to President Lee, Chung called for easing international sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs, saying they no longer make a significant impact.
"In order to buttress inter-Korean and multilateral exchanges and cooperation, (the ministry) plans to discuss and seek the relaxation of sanctions," Chung said. "There are some arguments calling for the strengthening of sanctions on North Korea, but, realistically, sanctions against Pyongyang have lost their effectiveness."
The ministry said it would seek to reopen inter-Korean communication channels, including military and civilian hotlines, and pursue confidence-building measures aimed at reducing the risk of accidental clashes along the heavily fortified border.
The work plan also outlines a range of cooperation initiatives, including preparations to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Complex if talks restart, the creation of special peace economic zones near the border and multilateral railway projects linking the Koreas with China.
The eventual resumption of tourism to North Korea is on the agenda as well, with initial proposals focusing on overseas Koreans visiting their family hometowns before expanding more broadly, the ministry said.
The ministry pledged to address humanitarian concerns by pursuing phased solutions for separated families and exploring realistic options for resolving long-standing cases involving abductees and detainees.
At the same time, the plan signals a shift away from public pressure on North Korean human rights. It calls for scrapping the Center for North Korean Human Rights Record project -- described by the ministry as a symbol of confrontational policy -- in favor of a new "peaceful coexistence center" focused on engagement and shared history at sites such as the Kaesong Industrial Complex and Mount Kumgang.
The agenda builds on President Lee's efforts since taking office to pivot away from confrontation, including suspending propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and halting civilian leaflet launches across the border.
Those moves have so far drawn little public response from Pyongyang, which continues to define the two Koreas as hostile states.
Despite the uncertainty and nearly seven years of suspended inter-Korean relations, the ministry said it would continue pursuing engagement and focus on "piercing even a needle hole" through the wall of division created by the long-running stalemate.