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Former President Moon urges North Korea's leader to resume inter-Korean talks

Published: 27 Apr. 2026, 18:24

Former President Moon Jae-in gives a speech at a ceremony held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on April 27. [YONHAP]

Former President Moon Jae-in on Monday urged North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to resume inter-Korean talks, calling it the "fastest and safest" way to overcome the current deadlock.

Moon made the call during a ceremony held at the National Assembly to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the Panmunjom Declaration, a landmark agreement signed by Moon and Kim during their summit at the truce village of Panmunjom in April 2018.

"I ask you to return to the spirit of the April 27 Panmunjom summit and open the door to dialogue, and to work together with the Lee Jae Myung government to once again build a vision of 'peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula' and to live as a proud member of the international community," Moon said. "Inter-Korean dialogue is the fastest and safest breakthrough to overcome the current deadlock."

Moon also stressed that Pyongyang cannot ensure "genuine security" by continuing to bolster its military capabilities and opting for isolation.

"Engaging in communication and expanding exchanges with the outside world, instead, is the most effective way to safeguard security," he added.

Former President Moon Jae-in, center, and attendees pose for a commemorative photo at an event marking the eighth anniversary of the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on April 27. [YONHAP]

On U.S.-North Korea relations, Moon expressed hope that Kim will take the "bold step of sitting down" with U.S. President Donald Trump, after Trump earlier said he was willing to engage in talks with the North.

"I hope you use improved inter-Korean ties as a bridge toward dialogue between North Korea and the U.S. as you did eight years ago," he said.

Moon then urged Trump to demonstrate his decisiveness to help bring the North back to the negotiating table, saying the Korean Peninsula issue is a "key national interest" of the United States that must never be pushed down the list of priorities.

"There is no other way but to seek a diplomatic solution to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and bring peace to the Korean Peninsula," he added.

Lee has offered to resume stalled talks with the North since taking office in June last year, but Pyongyang has rebuffed his peace overtures.

Yonhap