In a move that would make history textbooks slightly less confusing, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday suggested that the two Koreas sit down and talk about finally ending the Korean War - you know, the one that's been on a ceasefire, not a peace treaty, since 1953.

Speaking at the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee proposed a dialogue with North Korea to pursue peaceful coexistence, which sounds lovely and also like something we've heard before. He called for replacing the armistice with a 'peace regime,' which is diplomatic speak for 'let's sign the paperwork this time.'

Lee also suggested that discussions could explore measures to curb Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities - a topic that's been on the table since roughly the invention of the nuclear bomb. He said Seoul would take pre-emptive and sustained steps to ease tensions and build layered safeguards to contain escalation, which is a very polite way of saying 'we'll try not to blow each other up.'

This call builds on Lee's previous pledge to respect North Korea's system and seek peaceful coexistence, a strategy that has so far been met with a resounding 'no thanks' from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim has abandoned reunification policies, called the South its 'most hostile state,' and ordered stronger frontline defences. He has also rebuffed Lee's engagement offers, criticized Seoul's plan for nuclear-powered submarines, and denounced joint US-South Korean military drills as provocations. So, you know, lots of warm feelings all around.

On a brighter note, Lee also addressed relations with Japan, calling for confronting the past while leaving open the future, and hoping to launch a new 60 years of peace and prosperity with Japan as a 'close neighbour.' Because if there's one thing East Asia needs, it's more peace and prosperity. We'll see how that goes.