South Korea has detected signs that North Korea is preparing to destroy unused parts of inter-Korean roads, as tensions soar over North Korea’s claim that South Korea flew drones over its territory. This move would be in line with leader Kim Jong Un’s efforts to cut ties with South Korea and cement it as the country’s principal enemy. South Korea’s military has observed activities in North Korea that suggest preparations for demolishing the roads, such as installing screens. There are also concerns that North Korea may attempt to launch a space rocket, viewed as a banned test of long-range missile technology by the U.N. North Korea has accused South Korea of flying drones over its territory and threatened to respond with force, while South Korea has warned it will punish North Korea if the safety of its citizens is threatened.
Amidst these tensions, North Korea has warned that its military is fully ready to open fire on South Korea, with the entire South Korean territory potentially turning “into piles of ashes” following a powerful attack. Experts believe that it is unlikely for North Korea to launch full-scale, preemptive attacks as its military capabilities are outmatched by the U.S. and South Korean forces. North Korea’s recent threats and provocative actions are seen as attempts to reinforce internal unity and create instability in South Korea. South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesperson has stated that North Korea cannot achieve its goals with threats and provocations.
In response to North Korea’s threats and actions, South Korea has sent surveillance drones across the border into North Korea after accusing North Korea of flying drones into South Korea for the first time in five years in 2022. North Korea has announced that it will permanently block its border with South Korea and build front-line defense structures to counter what it claims is “confrontational hysteria” by South Korean and U.S. forces. This move comes amidst increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea conducting provocative missile tests and South Korea and the U.S. expanding their military drills. Observers suggest that North Korea may conduct major weapons tests ahead of the U.S. presidential election to increase its leverage in future diplomacy with the Americans.
In January, Kim Jong Un ordered the revision of North Korea’s constitution to remove the goal of a peaceful Korean unification, designate South Korea as the country’s “invariable principal enemy,” and define North Korea’s sovereign territorial sphere. This decision marked a significant departure from his predecessors’ goals of achieving a unified Korea peacefully on the North’s terms. Experts believe that Kim’s order aims to diminish South Korea’s influence in the regional nuclear standoff, seek direct dealings with the U.S., and reduce South Korean cultural influence while bolstering his rule at home. The ongoing tensions between North and South Korea, fueled by provocative actions and threats, have heightened concerns about the stability and security of the Korean Peninsula.
