On Monday, the South Korean Ministry of Defense proposed military talks with North Korea, emphasizing the need to establish a baseline for the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This marks the first inter-Korean military dialogue initiative since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung took office.
Kim Hong Cheol, Director of Policy at the Ministry of Defense, stated that the military was formally proposing talks between the two sides’ military authorities to discuss establishing an MDL baseline, which he explained was intended to prevent accidental clashes and reduce tensions. He noted that details such as meeting dates and locations could be coordinated through the Panmunjom talks.
If held, it would be the first inter-Korean military meeting in nearly seven years, following the 10th general-level talks in October 2018. During that meeting, both sides, represented by major generals or lieutenant generals, agreed to withdraw 11 guard posts each from the DMZ.
According to the Ministry, inter-Korean military dialogues since 2000 have included two defense ministerial meetings (in 2000 and 2007), ten general-level talks, and 40 working-level meetings.
Kim explained the context for its proposal, noting that North Korean forces have recently been building tactical roads and fences near the MDL in the DMZ, with some personnel repeatedly crossing into South Korean territory during these activities.
Since late 2023, North Korea has deployed troops to the border area while citing Kim Jong Un’s so-called hostile two-state theory. When North Korean troops approach the MDL, the South Korean military issues warning broadcasts and fires warning shots if they cross it.
Kim warned that continued MDL violations by North Korean troops, along with the South’s required procedural responses, are heightening tensions in the DMZ and increasing the risk of a military confrontation.
Signs rather than fences mark the MDL, but many of these markers have become difficult to identify due to weathering. North Korean troops also often operate without GPS, leading to unintended crossings.
Kim explained that this situation stems from the loss of many original MDL markers installed during the 1953 armistice agreement, resulting in differing perceptions of the boundary between the two sides in some areas.
Beyond establishing the MDL baseline, the proposal also aims to reopen inter-Korean dialogue. Since April 2023, North Korea has cut all communication channels with the South, including military hotlines and the inter-Korean liaison office, while also ignoring dialogue offers from the Lee administration.
Kim concluded that the South hopes for a prompt and positive response from North Korea, saying the proposal is intended to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and rebuild military trust.