Korean Peninsula on edge: North redefines South as foe

The situation on the Korean Peninsula has been causing growing concerns among global observers for several months. The North destroyed roads and rail lines connecting the two countries at the beginning of this week. Although they were not in use, these structures were considered symbols of potential reconciliation. The escalation in rhetoric happened quickly. On October 17, North Korea announced that its constitution clearly defines South Korea as a "hostile state."

"I believe we are witnessing a political manifesto. We saw an explosion, but no one died, and let me remind you that there have been much worse situations in relations between the two countries," explains a security analyst in East Asia Affairs. "For instance, the sinking of a South Korean warship in 2010 resulted in the death of sailors. A propaganda message is being crafted about readiness for war and mobilization in society. While this cannot be overlooked, considering the history of escalations and tensions, we shouldn't draw overly far-reaching conclusions."

By choosing to blow up infrastructure connections, Kim Jong Un communicates: "I said this would happen." He does not want anything to do with the neighbouring country. He treats it as the greatest enemy. This is reflected in the latest constitutional change, in which South Korea is listed as the main enemy," adds doctor.

The analyst recalls that during a party meeting as early as December last year, Kim Jong Un described inter-Korean relations as relations between "two hostile states" and stated that reconciliation or reunification with South Korea is no longer a goal.

Later, the leader called for a review of the constitution to define South Korea as its "main enemy." He ordered officials to take steps to sever cooperation and cut infrastructure connections.

"Periods of tension between the two states alternate with moments of calm. It is a constant element of relations. We are now at a stage of escalating tensions. Let us remember that as recently as 2018, the leaders of both Korean states met three times. Now the current president of South Korea is also pouring fuel on the fire," explains expert.

"On August 15, he presented his reunification doctrine, according to which the future 'United Republic of Korea' would essentially absorb its northern neighbour. Implicitly, but the president called for a change of regime in Pyongyang. This could not have pleased Kim," continues the analyst.

Doctor also refers to the matter of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which is gaining strength. "North Korea unequivocally engages on the side of Russia. In a propagandistic message, Kim emphasizes that a new cold war is underway, in which the North aligns itself with the countries opposing the West - with the United States at the forefront. This Anti-West wants to show that it is in the common interest of the group of countries to weaken American influence in several regions globally and engage their attention. For North Korea, it is very prestigious to be among countries like Russia and China, which are permanent members of the Security Council," says expert further.

The situation between the Koreas remains dynamic, and the coming weeks may prove crucial for the region's future, assess analysts from the American Institute for War Studies and commentators from the South Korean news agency Yonhap News.

The escalation of tension between the two Koreas began in August 2024. One of the main reasons is the intensification of North Korean missile tests. In recent months, North Korea has conducted a series of ballistic missile tests, which met with a sharp response from Seoul and the international community.

These tests violate international UN resolutions, leading to diplomatic tensions and the threat of conflict escalation. Pyongyang explains its actions as necessary for national defence, while South Korea, along with the United States, has intensified joint military exercises, further aggravating the situation.

In response to Pyongyang's aggressive policy, in August 2024, South Korea, together with American forces, conducted the largest military manoeuvres in years under the codename "Ulchi Freedom Shield." The exercises aimed to demonstrate defensive readiness in case of armed conflict with North Korea.

According to South Korean media, these maneuvers met with sharp reactions from the regime, which accused Seoul of provoking and destabilizing the region. Kim Jong Un threatened retaliation and warned of "catastrophic consequences." Reports emerged that the northern authorities had mobilized their armed forces, and military controls at the border were reinforced, which only increased the risk of incidents.