North Korea, for the first time in its history, openly defined South Korea as an “enemy state” through a change made in the country’s constitution. In recent days, North Korea, detonated roads connecting the two countries, destroying a significant portion of transportation links.

According to the report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea made a constitutional change in the region that would escalate tension. The report stated that the amendment made by North Korea in the constitution defined South Korea as an “enemy state” for the first time. Referring to the reason for the detonation of some of the roads connecting the Koreas on October 15, the report stated that these developments were described as “inevitable and legitimate” measures in line with the constitutional change. A spokesperson from the North Korean Ministry of Defense, mentioned in the report, stated that Pyongyang will continue to take measures to “permanently strengthen the southern borders.”

SOUTH KOREA CONDEMNS THE ENEMY STATE DEFINITION
According to Yonhap’s report, the Ministry of Unification in South Korea condemned the designation of “enemy state” as “anti-reunification.” The statement also reiterated that a strong response would be given to North’s provocations.

CALL FOR REWRITING THE CONSTITUTION
In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for rewriting the constitution to define South Korea as the “unchanging main enemy.” Accusing South Korea and the U.S. of turning the Korean Peninsula into a potential war zone by conducting military exercises and deploying strategic assets, Kim emphasized that engaging in reunification efforts with South Korea was “impossible.”