Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Thursday his administration will work to improve relations with North Korea based on cooperation with the US, but acknowledged that dialogue with Pyongyang looks difficult for now, Yonhap News Agency reported.

According to Kuwait News Agency, during a press conference marking his first month in office, President Lee emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation with Pyongyang. He stated, “We should improve relations with North Korea based on fixed coordination with the US.” Lee acknowledged the challenges of resuming talks due to longstanding hostility and distrust but expressed hope that Seoul’s recent suspension of anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts near the border could pave the way for renewed engagement.

President Lee further remarked, “When we decided to suspend the loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, I was concerned. But (the North’s) response was very swift and exceeded expectations.” Since beginning his five-year term last month, Lee has shown openness to resuming dialogue with North Korea. On June 11, he took a significant step by halting Seoul’s yearlong anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts along the border as his first concrete measure to ease tensions with the North.