North Korea brands South Korea a 'hostile state' in constitutional shift
The North Korean constitution clearly defines South Korea as a "hostile" state, state media in Pyongyang reported on Thursday. This is the first confirmation of changes to the fundamental law following the declaration by leader Kim Jong Un, who has abandoned reunification as a national goal.
17 October 2024 07:28
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) referred to the constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in a dispatch about the demolition on the northern side of communication routes connecting the two Korean states.
"This is an inevitable and justified measure taken in accordance with the requirements of the DPRK constitution, which clearly defines South Korea as a hostile state, and also due to serious circumstances that pose a threat to security and lead to an unpredictable brink of war due to serious political and military provocations by hostile forces," said KCNA in an English-language article.
Citing the North Korean Ministry of Defence, the agency reported that 60-metre sections of two lanes of roadways and rail lines were blown up; i.e., routes along the Gyeongui Line, connecting the city of Paju in the South with Kaesong in the North, and the Donghae Line, running along the eastern coast of the peninsula.
Last week, KCNA reported that during the 11th session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), it was unanimously decided to amend and supplement parts of the country's socialist constitution, but details were not disclosed. On January 15, in a speech before the SPA, Kim Jong Un called for South Korea to be recognized in the constitution as the "main enemy" and for the removal of some terms from the fundamental law, such as "peaceful reunification."
In line with the new policy direction, remnants of the "past era," such as the "eye-catching" Reunification Monument in Pyongyang, have been removed since then. Institutions linked to promoting inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation have also been closed.
Tension is rising between North and South Korea
Tensions between the two neighbours have been escalating since last year, following the launch of a spy satellite by Pyongyang. Both sides declared that the 2018 agreement aimed at easing military tensions is no longer valid.
In recent days, North Korea has sharply intensified its hostile rhetoric, accusing the South of violating its airspace by flying drones over the capital. Pyongyang has announced retaliatory actions, not excluding the use of nuclear weapons.
North and South Korea have formally remained at war for over 70 years, as the armed conflict from 1950-1953 ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
