Unification Minister Chung: Talks to restore 2018 pact as North tests AI drones

Marking the 7th anniversary of the 'September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration and Inter-Korean Military Agreement' signed during the Moon Jae-in administration, President Lee Jae-myung and ruling party figures unanimously called on the 19th for the restoration of the inter-Korean military accord. On the same day, however, North Korea revealed strategic unmanned reconnaissance drones resembling the U.S. military's 'Global Hawk' and suicide attack drones, with state media reporting that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw performance tests of the drones.

President Lee wrote on Facebook, "As president, I will work step by step with the people to restore the spirit of the September 19 military agreement and establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation." He added, "The promise to respect the North's system, not pursue absorption unification, and have no intention of hostile acts remains valid." In his August 15 commemorative speech last month, President Lee had stated, "We will proactively and gradually restore the September 19 military agreement."

In Paju, Gyeonggi Province, a ceremony commemorating the 7th anniversary of the Pyongyang Joint Declaration was held with the participation of former President Moon Jae-in, Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae, and other ruling party figures. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated at the event, "The September 19 military agreement must be proactively restored at least within this year," adding, "Internal government discussions are underway." The 2018 agreement, which called for a "complete cessation of hostile acts" between the two Koreas, included halting training near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and establishing 'no-fly zones.' North Korea unilaterally declared its complete abrogation in 2023.

On the same day, the North's state media Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un observed a target-striking test of suicide drones on the 18th and ordered the "advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and operational capabilities." Since late 2023, Kim has focused on strengthening military power after designating the two Koreas as "hostile states."

South Korea urges 9·19 restoration; North tests drones