Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called on officials to take proactive measures to reduce tensions with North Korea, stressing the need for Seoul to patiently seek a way to restore trust with Pyongyang. "We must be patient and do our utmost to proactively and effectively ease tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang," Lee said during a briefing organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Unification.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Lee addressed concerns about escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, noting that North Korea has erected three rows of barbed wire and barriers along the Military Demarcation Line and cut off roads and bridges leading to the South. "Since the Korean War in the 1950s, the two Koreas have faced each other along the Military Demarcation Line, but this is the first time we have seen three rows of barbed wire and the cutting of bridges," he said.

While there were fears in the South of a possible North Korean invasion, Lee said, "The reality seems to be the opposite." He pointed to Pyongyang's hostile rhetoric, which defines the two Koreas as "enemy states" and describes South Korea as an "enemy," saying that the escalation of this hostility appears to stem from political considerations and should be addressed to help normalize inter-Korean relations.

"In the past, both sides pretended to be enemies, but today we feel like we have become real enemies. This situation seems to have arisen from political ambitions. Now, we have to find a way to return to normalcy," he continued. Lee acknowledged that Pyongyang is currently refusing dialogue with Seoul, stressing the importance of patience to reduce tensions and rebuild trust. He said, "It's not easy, but we mustn't give up," emphasizing the role of the Ministry of Unity in this process.