North Korea officially recognizes South Korea as hostile state

The North's KCNA news agency reported that on Tuesday, October 15, military forces detonated sections of both road and rail connections with South Korea. These actions were deemed legal and aimed at the hostile state, as defined by North Korea's Constitution.

It was noted that sixty-meter sections of roads and railways on the northern border, previously established as crossings, are now completely blocked as part of a phased complete separation of the territory from the South.

"This is an inevitable and legitimate measure taken in keeping with the requirement of the DPRK Constitution which clearly defines the ROK as a hostile state," the agency reported.

The KCNA cited a representative from the Ministry of Defense, who stated that the country would take further steps to permanently strengthen the closed southern border, but did not mention any other constitutional changes previously approved by leader Kim Jong Un.

Earlier this year, Kim called for amendments to the Constitution to remove unification as a goal in relations with the South. He accused Seoul of colluding with the US to undermine his communist regime and delineate its territory.

Last week, North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly held a two-day session where it was expected to amend the Constitution, officially defining South Korea as a separate country and a primary enemy.

South Korea has stated that its policy continues to focus on national unification. However, Seoul is prepared to respond with force in the event of armed aggression from the North.

Escalation between North and South Korea

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated in 2023, as both sides declared the 2018 agreement aimed at reducing military tensions to be null and void.

In recent days, North Korea has intensified its hostile rhetoric, accusing the South of invading its airspace with drones and promising retaliation.

On Tuesday, October 15, South Korean military forces fired warning shots south of the border in response to explosions on roads and railways attributed to North Korea.

Last week, Pyongyang announced that it would completely close cross-border roads and railways and continue to fortify areas on its side of the border as part of its pursuit of a two-state system, rejecting its long-standing goal of unification.

This escalation coincides with reports that thousands of North Korean soldiers are undergoing training in Russia to join a separate assault brigade for combat against Ukraine.

The US has expressed concern over the plans of Moscow and Pyongyang.