North Korea Declares South as a 'Hostile State'
In a significant shift in its legal stance, North Korea has officially declared South Korea a "hostile state" in its constitution, marking the first confirmation of changes proposed by leader Kim Jong-un earlier this year. This declaration comes amid escalating tensions between the two Koreas, highlighted by recent military actions. According to North Korea's state news agency, the bombing of roads and railways linking the two nations was described as a necessary response to what it termed the hostile actions from the South.
The agency reported that the roads, previously used for trade, are now "completely closed after the bombings," signaling a severe breakdown in inter-Korean relations. The South Korean military confirmed the destruction of sections of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads, which lie north of the military demarcation line, further intensifying the ongoing conflict.
Rising Military Tensions and Provocations
In response to the heightened conflict, South Korea's Unification Ministry condemned North Korea's actions as an "unnatural provocation," especially considering that the South had financed the construction of these roads. Adding to the tensions, North Korean state media reported an unprecedented surge in military recruitment, with approximately 1.4 million young men expressing interest in joining or returning to the military. This recruitment drive has been attributed to perceived provocations from South Korea, including allegations of drone incursions that dropped anti-Seoul leaflets over Pyongyang.
As both nations continue to exchange accusations and military threats, the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains precarious, with fears of further escalations looming.
