The election of President Lee Jae-myung brought a fresh approach to handling Korean Peninsula tensions through his END policy, which stands for Exchange Normalisation and Denuclearisation.

The three components, according to Lee, should work together as interconnected processes that can progress at the same time rather than following the previous requirement of denuclearisation as an absolute condition. The research demonstrates that END functions as an effective solution because it acknowledges the constraints of denuclearisation-first methods through its efforts to build trust and achieve small-scale diplomatic progress. The program encounters multiple challenges, which stem from structural constraints and political and ideological challenges that would stop its success unless it receives appropriate confidence-building measures, international support, and functional verification systems. 

END recognises that the peninsula exists in a prolonged state of hostility and mistrust, which has been interrupted by occasional diplomatic efforts for many years. The “exchange” part of the initiative aims to restore South and North Korean cooperation by promoting cultural and sports exchanges, humanitarian work, and civil society participation. These programs serve as more than gestures because they establish personal connections and emergency contact systems and develop groups that support peaceful governance. The exchange of cultural and humanitarian activities functions to decrease worldwide social inequalities while minimising domestic political consequences that stem from unexpected escalation events. 

The “normalisation” pillar aims to broaden diplomatic engagement by promoting sustained dialogue not only between Seoul and Pyongyang but also between Pyongyang and Washington, as well as between North Korea and the international community. The new framework stands apart from previous methods because it eliminates the necessity for countries to establish lasting denuclearisation measures. END views normalisation as a dual-purpose mechanism which rewards........

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