Mayor Kim Kyoungil: "We Will Create a Symbolic Stage Connecting the Korean Peninsula and the World Through Peace"

Paju Receives Official Approval for Inter-Korean Contact from the Ministry of Unification
Independent Local Initiative Draws Attention Amid Shifting Korean Peninsula Dynamics
Paju-Kaesong DMZ International Peace Marathon to Become a Symbolic Stage for Global Peace

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on September 1 that it had officially received approval from the Ministry of Unification on August 27 for its notification to contact North Korean residents (inter-Korean contact) to promote the "Paju-Kaesong DMZ International Peace Marathon."

Paju City Hall exterior. Provided by Paju City

The city explained that on August 7, the mayor of Paju personally visited the Ministry of Unification to submit the notification form for contacting North Korean residents. Then, on August 13, city officials visited the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Support Association to conduct working-level consultations regarding procedures and requirements. With the Ministry of Unification granting approval just 20 days after the submission, Paju City can now proceed with independent inter-Korean contact activities without procedural restrictions.

This development is drawing even more attention as it comes at a time when the international community is closely watching changes on the Korean Peninsula following the recent South Korea-U.S. summit. It is seen as an independent initiative by a local government to restore inter-Korean trust.

The "Paju-Kaesong DMZ International Peace Marathon" is planned as a large-scale international sporting event, with more than 20,000 participants from over 10 countries. The course will start at Imjingak, cross the Unification Bridge and the DMZ, pass through Kaesong, and return to Imjingak.

Kim Kyoungil, Mayor of Paju, stated, "The key going forward will be to cooperate with the central government and organizations with extensive experience in private exchanges to open new channels for inter-Korean dialogue. By successfully hosting the Paju-Kaesong DMZ International Peace Marathon, we aim to create a symbolic stage where the Korean Peninsula and the world are connected through peace."

If the event is realized, it is expected to provide an opportunity for people from around the world to run together in the DMZ, spreading international consensus for peace beyond division.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.