Tensions Escalate as Kim Jong Un Declares South Korea "Primary Foe"
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced a hardline stance towards South Korea, labelling it their "primary foe" and stating that unification was no longer feasible. During a speech to the Supreme People's Assembly on Monday, Kim called for constitutional changes to reflect South Korea's status as the "invariable principal enemy."
Kim's speech outlined plans to disband organisations focused on reunification, shut down inter-Korean communication, and destroy a symbolic reunification monument in Pyongyang. This departure from the pursuit of peaceful reunification by previous leaders has prompted a stern response from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who accused Pyongyang of being "anti-national."
"We don't want war but we have no intention of avoiding it," Kim stated, prompting concerns over the already fragile situation in the Korean Peninsula. The recent developments come amid heightened tensions and military activities in the region, including North Korea's suspension of a military deal with the South and a series of missile tests. Analysts speculate that Kim's aggressive rhetoric may be influenced by perceived threats, such as strengthened nuclear deterrence from South Korea and the U.S., along with trilateral military efforts with Japan.
As international concerns grow, North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui's visit to Russia raises questions about potential alliances amid Western isolation. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is described by experts as "more dangerous than it has ever been," with fears that Kim's recent rhetoric indicates a strategic decision towards military conflict, though the timing remains uncertain.
