North Korea has officially amended its constitution to define South Korea as a “hostile state,” marking the first time Pyongyang has publicly detailed recent constitutional changes. State media outlet Rodong Sinmun called the move an “inevitable and legitimate measure,” reflecting the heightened tensions between the two Koreas.
The revision comes as North Korea took provocative actions, including the destruction of roads and railways connecting the countries. These steps, according to state media, are part of a strategy to “thoroughly separate” the two Koreas.
Observers view the constitutional change as largely symbolic, noting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un effectively renounced unification in December 2023. At the time, he declared that relations between North and South Korea had shifted into a “relationship between two hostile countries.” He later labeled unification impossible, suggesting constitutional amendments to designate the South as the “principal enemy.”
Bruce Bennett, a defense analyst at Rand Corporation, emphasised the significance of this move, noting that it has escalated the risk of confrontation. “Kim and his sister have issued multiple nuclear threats against South Korea and the United States, further raising tensions,” Bennett said.
Despite the rising hostilities, analysts remain skeptical about the potential for an all-out war. Professor Kang Dong-wan of Dong-a University noted that North Korea seems to be using military posturing to strengthen internal unity rather than aiming for a full-scale conflict. Similarly, Professor Kim Dong-yup of the University of North Korean Studies questioned the regime’s capability to sustain such a war, acknowledging the severe consequences it would face.
Though tensions between the Koreas have steadily increased, experts believe the constitutional amendment is more about internal politics than preparing for a military confrontation.
Melissa Enoch
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