North Korea has officially designated South Korea as a hostile nation through an amendment to its socialist constitution, marking the first time the regime has revealed constitutional changes related to unification and inter-Korean relations.
In a report from the Rodong Sinmun on Thursday, North Korea stated that the explosion of sections of the Gyeongui and Donghae rail lines, which connect the North and South, was a “necessary and legitimate measure.” The article linked this action to the country’s revised constitution, which now formally categorizes South Korea as a hostile state, citing growing political and military provocations by “hostile forces.” North Korea’s military, under Order No. 00122 of the Party Central Military Commission, demolished key sections of the railways as part of what it calls the “thorough separation” of the two countries.
Although the constitutional revisions were announced during a Supreme People’s Assembly meeting on October 7 and 8, the specific amendments concerning unification and inter-Korean relations were not initially disclosed. Since late last year, North Korea has shifted its stance on South Korea, no longer viewing the South as part of a special relationship but as a separate and hostile state. This latest constitutional move has raised concerns about potential physical clashes between the two nations.
Despite the declaration, Rodong Sinmun did not provide further details on the exact constitutional changes. However, the amended constitution’s full contents are expected to be revealed through other channels soon.
The North Korean military’s demolition operations on Tuesday involved the complete destruction of approximately 197 feet of roads and railways near Gamho-ri in Goseong County, Gangwon Province, and Dongnae-ri in Kaesong City, effectively severing transportation routes between the two Koreas. According to the Ministry of Land and Environmental Protection, the demolition did not negatively affect the local ecological environment. North Korean authorities have also indicated that this is part of a broader effort to fortify the southern border permanently.
The demolition near the Gyeongui line occurred at 11:59 AM, followed by similar actions along the Donghae line two minutes later. North Korea has vowed to continue its efforts to solidify the border and prevent further connections between the two nations.