The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has proposed a conference with South Korea to discuss reunification of the Korean nation, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. In a letter, the DPRK suggested a meeting either in Pyongyang or in the border city of Kaesong, on or around August the 15th, when both countries celebrate the anniversary of liberation from Japanese occupation.

South Korea, however, has flatly rejected the offer, insisting that Pyongyang should denuclearize first. At the ruling party's national congress in early May, the DPRK's top leader, Kim Jong Un, proposed talks at all levels with South Korea, so as to remove misunderstanding and distrust.