Seoul: Progressive civic groups, lawmakers, and religious leaders on Tuesday called for the suspension of regular joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington to improve ties with Pyongyang.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a coalition of 357 progressive civic and religious groups, along with 13 lawmakers including Rep. Lee In-young of the ruling Democratic Party, made the call during a press conference in Seoul. This appeal comes in light of the long-stalled inter-Korean relations, despite Seoul's ongoing efforts to mend ties.

More than 200 individuals have joined the coalition, emphasizing the need to "suspend joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises and halt hostilities near the inter-Korean border to improve ties with North Korea and open a path to peace."

The participants also urged the government to stop firing drills or drone flights that compromise the Military Demarcation Line. They suggested redefining buffer zones in the air, at sea, and on land, in accordance with the spirit of the now-suspended 2018 inter-Korean tensions reduction pact.

Additionally, the coalition called on the government to abandon a North Korea policy focused on military pressure. They advocate for a policy that prioritizes normalizing relations and respecting each other's systems.