North Korea changes course on South Korea ties

North Korea has taken a sharp turn in its stance towards South Korea. Kim Jong Un now sees South Korea as a foreign enemy‚ according to state media reports from about a year ago. This shift is backed by changes to North Koreas constitution which now labels South Korea as a “hostile state“

The countrys long-standing goal of unifying with South Korea has been dropped. This move marks a significant change in North Koreas approach to inter-Korean relations. Kim has been more critical of South Korea throughout the past year accusing Seoul of working with Washington to bring down his government.

North Korea has recently destroyed road and rail links with South Korea. Kim said this action shows “not only the physical closure but also the end of the evil relationship with Seoul“. In response Seoul warned that any harm to its people would mean “the end of the North Korean regime“

During a visit to an army headquarters Kim stressed the need for a stronger nuclear deterrent. He pointed to changes in the South Korea-U.S. alliance and their more advanced military exercises as reasons for this. An analyst suggests that Kim is trying to boost the morale of frontline soldiers with these statements.

This new “two hostile countries“ approach is seen as Kim Jong Unʼs survival strategy. Its a path North Korea hasnt taken before and its success is uncertain. Meanwhile South Korea is set to start its yearly large-scale military exercises called Hoguk in a couple of days to improve its operational performance