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.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) he will be discussing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum being hosted by Korea in late October during his visit to Beijing.

Speaking ahead of his departure for a two-day trip to China, Mr. Cho said he would be hearing from Chinese officials about a recent visit to Beijing by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to attend a World War Two anniversary event.

“China is an important neighbour of ours with the two countries being strategic partners,” Mr. Cho told reporters, adding he would be discussing developing cooperation further with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“I understand President Xi Jinping is going to visit South Korea for the APEC meeting,” Mr. Cho said. “We will also be discussing details about that.”

South Korea has invited Mr. Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump to the summit that starts on October 31 in the city of Gyeongju. President Lee Jae Myung suggested Mr. Trump try to meet with the North Korean leader Kim during his trip to the region.

Mr. Xi earlier this month stood side by side with Mr. Kim at a military parade in Beijing and held a separate bilateral meeting with the North Korean leader, their first in six years.