South Korea's Unification Minister Lee In-young. (Photo: Yonhap)

Minister Lee In-young said it is the right time to push for the end-of-war declaration to help bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table as the reclusive regime seems more open to talks by not dramatically raising military tension and restoring the inter-Korean communication lines in October. Lee said reaching an agreement on the declaration under the current security situation on the Korean Peninsula would provide a "sure turning point for a new phase of peace."

The minister expressed hope for the North to respond before it is too late so as not to weaken the momentum and willingness for negotiations with Seoul and Washington.