North, South Korea in ‘very dangerous’ standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying

North and South Korea are in a “very dangerous situation” where an accidental clash is possible any time and it was crucial for Seoul to engage Pyongyang in dialogue, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday (November 24, 2025), according to Yonhap News.

“Inter-Korean ties have become very hostile and confrontational, and in the absence of even the basic level of trust, the North Korea is showing some very extreme behavior,” President Lee said, according to Yonhap News. President Lee was speaking to reporters on a flight from South Africa, where he attended a G20 summit, to Turkey for the last leg of his trip.

South Korea proposed military talks with North Korea on November 17 to discuss drawing up a clear boundary along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) to prevent armed clashes along the border which could potentially trigger a wider conflict.

North Korea has not responded or reacted to the proposal.

There have been more than 10 border intrusions by North Korean soldiers this year, some leading to South Korean troops firing warning shots under an established protocol.

President Lee said winning peace with North Korea will be a long-term effort, but when a firm peace regime is established, “it would be better” for South Korea and the U.S. to cease joint military drills.

Pyongyang has condemned such exercises by the allies, calling them dress rehearsals for a nuclear war against it. About 28,500 U.S. troops and weapons systems are stationed in South Korea.