North and South Korea reach deal to defuse tensions

South Korean soldiers at border between North and South Korea

(Image credit: South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images)

published 24 August 2015

North and South Korea reached a deal to defuse tensions during talks in the abandoned "truce village" of Panmunjom, in the demilitarized zone, early Tuesday morning local time, the BBC reports. North Korea had threatened to use force against South Korea over propaganda broadcasts launched after a North Korean land mine maimed two South Korean soldiers earlier this month. The two countries also exchanged fire at the border last Thursday. During the early morning talks, North Korea offered an official statement of "regret" over the land mine, satisfying South Korean officials. North and South Korea also agreed to try a Korean War family reunion next month, AFP reports.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.