Seoul: South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung expressed optimism for renewed inter-Korean talks following North Korea's decision to dismantle its propaganda loudspeakers, local media reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Lee emphasized that these reciprocal measures could pave the way for dialogue and communication between the two Koreas, expressing hope for a new chapter in relations with North Korea. "We have been recently dismantling our loudspeakers along the border and I understand the North has also removed some of its loudspeakers, though I am not certain if it is complete," Lee stated during a Cabinet meeting.

The development follows South Korea's report on Saturday confirming North Korea's action to dismantle its loudspeaker installations, signaling a potential thaw in the long-standing tensions between the two nations.

President Lee, who assumed office in June, had previously directed the cessation of loudspeaker broadcasts facing North Korea and halted the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets as part of his strategy to rebuild trust and foster dialogue with the North.

In a show of reciprocity, Pyongyang also ceased its broadcasts and is currently taking down its loudspeaker infrastructure.

South Korea remains host to over 28,500 US troops under a bilateral defense agreement, as the Korean War of the 1950s concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, technically leaving the two Koreas in a state of war.