Seoul: North Korea has announced that the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea, which serves as a maritime boundary between North and South Korea, is "invalid" and has declared a new sea border line. The NLL was originally established by the United Nations Command following the conclusion of the Korean War and the signing of the Armistice Agreement in 1953.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea took significant steps towards reconciliation with North Korea in 2000 by repatriating 63 former North Korean spies. These individuals were released after serving lengthy prison sentences of up to 40 years. This move was part of an effort by Seoul to foster a more harmonious relationship with Pyongyang.
In 2010, political tensions arose within South Korea's ruling Grand National Party when Rep. Kang Yong-seok was expelled. This action followed accusations that Kang made derogatory comments about women, specifically TV anchorwomen and their appearances. The remarks, allegedly made during a July dinner with college students, drew widespread criticism.
In a notable diplomatic development in 2018, President Moon Jae-in appointed his top security adviser, Chung Eui-yong, as a special envoy to North Korea. Chung led a five-member delegation to Pyongyang on September 5, resulting in an agreement to hold a summit between President Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang from September 18-20.