On January 19th, the South Korean government declared its decision to terminate the 'Fourth Basic Plan for the Development of Inter-Korean Relations', which was established during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, and create a new 'Fifth Basic Plan' for the years 2026 to 2030, led by Minister of Unification Jung Dong-young. This decision was made during the 1st Inter-Korean Relations Development Committee meeting, which was convened to outline the future direction of inter-Korean relations over the next five years. The decision to end the Fourth Plan prematurely, which was set for a five-year cycle, stems from significant political changes including the impeachment of President Yoon and subsequent elections that led to the establishment of the Lee Jae-myung government.

The Ministry of Unification stated that the Fifth Basic Plan will embody the peace coexistence policy of the Lee Jae-myung administration, aiming to redefine inter-Korean relations towards peaceful coexistence and eventual reunification. This new plan will integrate the administration's guiding principles, which include three main goals: institutionalizing peaceful coexistence between the North and South, building a foundation for joint growth on the Korean Peninsula, and realizing a nuclear-free and war-free Peninsula. Additionally, key initiatives will promote a respectful approach towards the North, avoid coercive unification strategies, and work towards de-escalating hostilities.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Unification has confirmed that the finalized version of the Fifth Basic Plan will go through further discussions in cabinet and executive meetings before being submitted to the National Assembly and made public. Jung Dong-young emphasized the necessity of the Lee administration's peace policy in his opening remarks, reinforcing a commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation with North Korea in pursuit of a stable and peaceful future for the Korean Peninsula.