Pyongyang’s move to formally label South Korea a “hostile state” has heightened already tense relations between the two Koreas. Analysts remain skeptical about the prospect of full-scale war but warn of an increased risk of military confrontation.
North Korea has officially amended its constitution to designate South Korea as a “hostile state,” a term that further crystallizes the deeply strained relations between the two nations. The change was reported by the North’s state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun, which described it as an “inevitable and legitimate measure” in response to the deteriorating state of inter-Korean relations. Tensions between the two Koreas, already at their highest point in recent years, have been steadily escalating, and this constitutional revision marks a significant moment in the ongoing geopolitical struggle on the Korean Peninsula.
The move comes in the wake of several provocative actions by Pyongyang, including the destruction of roads and railways connecting the North to the South. State media described these actions as part of a “step-by-step implementation” aimed at thoroughly separating the two Koreas, signaling a shift in policy toward a more entrenched and hostile posture. The revision represents a symbolic yet clear declaration of intent by North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, to solidify the nation’s stance against its southern neighbor, further straining already fragile relations.
The designation of South Korea as a hostile state is the latest step in a broader trend of North Korea distancing itself from the notion of unification, once a key goal for both Koreas. As early as December 2023, Kim Jong Un publicly renounced the possibility of unification, declaring that inter-Korean relations had devolved into “a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war.” This stark shift in rhetoric laid the groundwork for the constitutional revision announced in October 2024.
Kim’s rhetoric, and now formal policy, reflects a growing sense of animosity toward the South, particularly in light of its close alliance with the United States. In January 2024, Kim went further, stating that unification with South Korea was “impossible” under current circumstances and hinting at constitutional changes to formalize the South’s status as North Korea’s “principal enemy.” This move was anticipated by many observers but was only officially confirmed this month.
The decision to enshrine this hostility in the constitution has been interpreted by some analysts as a strategic move aimed at consolidating internal power within North Korea. The portrayal of South Korea as a hostile entity can serve to bolster national unity and justify the regime’s focus on military development and nuclear expansion. In a country where state propaganda plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, the constitutional change serves as a tool to align the North Korean populace behind Kim’s leadership and his vision of an embattled nation facing external threats.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the region, North Korea on Tuesday demolished several key pieces of infrastructure that had once connected it to South Korea, including roads and railways. The destruction of these links was widely seen as a symbolic act of severing ties between the two countries. North Korean state media framed the move as part of a broader effort to “thoroughly separate” the two nations, underscoring the regime’s commitment to a policy of isolation from its southern neighbor.
This action comes after years of failed diplomacy and fluctuating levels of engagement between the Koreas. The destruction of cross-border infrastructure was a dramatic escalation in a series of hostile actions taken by the North in recent months. While Pyongyang’s provocations are not new, the targeted destruction of shared infrastructure marks a particularly aggressive turn, suggesting that the regime is less interested in maintaining even the pretense of potential reconciliation.
“The demolition of these roads and railways is more than just a physical act; it’s a clear message that North Korea is cutting off the possibility of dialogue and cooperation with the South,” said Bruce Bennett, a defense analyst at the Rand Corporation. Bennett emphasized that this move raises the risks of confrontation, as it signals a hardening of North Korea’s stance toward the South. “This escalation is significant and increases the potential for further conflict, although whether that would spiral into full-scale war remains to be seen.”
The constitutional revision and the destruction of cross-border infrastructure are just the latest in a series of hostile actions that have characterized inter-Korean relations in the past year. Since late 2023, North Korea has repeatedly threatened South Korea and its ally, the United States, with nuclear strikes, heightening fears of military conflict on the peninsula. Kim Jong Un and his sister, Kim Yo Jong, have issued numerous warnings and threats, underscoring their willingness to use military force in response to perceived provocations from the South or its Western allies.
The year 2024 has seen an increase in military exercises and missile tests by North Korea, many of which have been viewed as provocations aimed at both South Korea and the United States. In response, South Korea has bolstered its own military defenses, conducting joint exercises with U.S. forces and increasing its surveillance of the North. This tit-for-tat escalation has contributed to an atmosphere of heightened tension, with both sides wary of further provocations that could trigger a more serious conflict.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have largely stalled. Despite brief moments of engagement during the tenure of previous South Korean administrations, the current South Korean government, led by President Yoon Suk-yeol, has taken a firmer stance against the North’s provocations, calling for stronger international sanctions and increased military preparedness. This approach has further strained relations, with Pyongyang accusing Seoul of being a puppet of the United States and a threat to regional stability.
Many observers had expected North Korea to announce constitutional amendments related to unification and border policies during a Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) meeting held last week. However, no such changes were publicized at the time. It was only this week that state media confirmed the constitutional revision, raising questions about the timing of the announcement.
The SPA, North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, typically meets once or twice a year to approve policy decisions made by the ruling Workers’ Party. The decision to amend the constitution to include the designation of South Korea as a hostile state may have been delayed for strategic reasons, possibly to coincide with other provocative actions, such as the destruction of cross-border infrastructure.
Some analysts believe the timing of the announcement is intended to send a clear message to the international community, particularly the United States, that North Korea is not interested in returning to the negotiating table under current conditions. By formalizing its hostility toward the South in the constitution, Pyongyang is signaling that it views the situation as beyond repair and that any future engagement will be on its own terms.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric and actions coming out of Pyongyang, many experts remain skeptical about the prospect of a full-scale war on the Korean Peninsula. While the risks of military confrontation have certainly increased, analysts argue that North Korea is unlikely to initiate a conflict that could lead to its own destruction.
“I doubt that the situation would escalate to the level of war,” said Professor Kang Dong-wan, a political science and diplomacy expert at Dong-a University in Busan. “North Korea is exploiting military confrontation to strengthen internal cohesion. By framing South Korea as the enemy, the regime is trying to rally its population around a common cause and justify its military-first policies.”
Professor Kim Dong-yup of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul echoed these sentiments, pointing out that North Korea is well aware of the severe consequences that a full-scale war would bring. “The regime understands that a war with South Korea and its allies, particularly the United States, would be catastrophic. The cost would be too high for North Korea, both in terms of human lives and the survival of the regime itself.”
However, both analysts warned that the current trajectory of escalating tensions could still lead to dangerous miscalculations or accidental confrontations. With both sides engaged in military posturing and North Korea continuing to advance its nuclear capabilities, the risk of a small-scale conflict spiraling into something more serious cannot be ruled out.
The international community has responded to the constitutional revision with concern, with many calling for restraint on both sides. The United States, in particular, has reiterated its commitment to defending South Korea and maintaining stability in the region. In a statement, the U.S. State Department condemned North Korea’s actions and urged Pyongyang to return to diplomacy and de-escalation.
China, North Korea’s most important ally, has also called for restraint but has stopped short of condemning Pyongyang’s actions outright. Beijing continues to play a delicate balancing act, seeking to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while also supporting North Korea as a buffer against U.S. influence in the region.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising tensions and the potential for military conflict, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
