Han Ki-ho, a professor at the Ajou Institute for Unification, interpreted Lee's statement on Thursday as a call for the complete cessation of all military hostilities across the Korean Peninsula.

"It appears to be a message aimed at reaffirming South Korea's policy stance on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the joint declaration," he told NK News. "This is likely in consideration of the practical difficulties in fully restoring the CMA."

The expert added that Lee's rhetoric may aim to ease North Korea's security concerns, as highlighted by a statement from the DPRK leader's sister, who criticized U.S. drills with South Korea and Japan this week as a "reckless show of force."