Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, said on the 2nd that he would restore the 9.19 military agreement, which was signed during the Moon Jae-in administration, focusing on 'ceasing mutual hostile acts between North and South Korea.' He noted that he would aim for a mutual cessation of North Korean leaflets, waste balloons, and North-South broadcasts and seek to resume inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation.
On that day, the candidate announced the contents of his 'border area pledge' in line with his visit schedule to Cheorwon and Hwacheon in Gangwon Province. He stated, "We will establish a North-South military joint committee, restore communication channels, and manage risks in North-South relations, including military conflicts, in a stable manner," and added that he would seek to resume inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation and rebuild mutual trust.
He said, "During the previous government, the 9.19 military agreement was rendered ineffective, official dialogue between North and South has ceased, and North Korea declared itself as 'hostile to both nations.'" He added, "As inter-Korean relations have worsened, residents in the border area live in daily anxiety," and emphasized that "the state must play a role in ensuring that citizens can live safely and that the economy does not shake."
He also mentioned that he would designate the border area as a 'peace economic zone' and consider the designation of an opportunity development zone. He remarked, "The residents of the border area, who have endured special sacrifices since the division, deserve special compensation," and added, "We will strengthen industrial capabilities by expanding infrastructure as a gateway for inter-Korean exchanges and nurture it as a peace hub city by attracting anchor companies.
In particular, to guarantee the property rights of residents in the border area, he pledged to ▲ adjust the military facility protection zones ▲ demolish unnecessary military barriers ▲ simplify related administrative procedures (delegated to local governments). He emphasized, "Residents in the border area are suffering from violations of their property rights and financial damages due to military occupation of private land," stating, "We will ensure the property rights of residents in the border area."
The 9.19 military agreement is an annex agreement adopted during a summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018, which prohibits hostile acts between North and South Korea. Since then, North Korea has violated the agreement several times and effectively declared the agreement void in November of last year. Consequently, our government suspended the effectiveness of some provisions the same month.