North Korea's constitution now defines the South as a “hostile state”, according to state media, in the first mention of Pyongyang's recent constitutional revisions.
State newspaper Rodong Sinmun called the change “an inevitable and legitimate measure” at a time when tensions between the two Koreas are at their highest level in years.
The North blew up roads and railways connecting it to South Korea on Tuesday, a move that state media described as “part of the step-by-step implementation to completely separate (the Koreas).”
Some observers view the constitutional amendment as a largely symbolic move, given that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has renounced unification as early as December 2023.
At the time, state media reported that Kim said inter-Korean relations had become “a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war.”
Then, in January, he declared unification with South Korea impossible and hinted at constitutional changes to designate the South as the “primary enemy.”
Since then, a series of exchanges between the Koreas, particularly in recent months, have seen tensions gradually increase.
The term “hostile states” has characterized North Korean communications for almost a year now, said Bruce Bennett, a defense analyst at Rand Corporation.
“This was a significant development when it was announced at the end of 2023, because it increased the risks of confrontation and the potential for a spiral of escalation,” Mr Bennett told the BBC.
“Since then, Kim and his sister have made a number of nuclear threats against (South Korea) and the United States, and have escalated tensions through numerous actions. So the risks have increased.”
Many observers expected Pyongyang to make constitutional amendments to unification and border policies at a meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) last week – but no such changes were made. been made public so far.
Yet analysts remain skeptical about the prospect of full-scale war.
“I doubt the situation will escalate to war,” said Professor Kang Dong-wan, who teaches political science and diplomacy at Dong-a University in Busan. “North Korea exploits military confrontation to strengthen internal cohesion.”
Professor Kim Dong-yup of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul questions Pyongyang's ability to trigger a large-scale war.
“The regime is well aware of the serious consequences that such a conflict would bring,” he said.
Additional reporting by Joel Guinto
