North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared an end to the pursuit of reconciliation with South Korea and proposed revising North Korea’s constitution to eliminate the concept of shared statehood between the two countries, according to state media reports on Tuesday.
This significant move marks a departure from the longstanding goal of peaceful unification, which was rooted in a shared sense of national identity between North and South Korea.
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions, characterized by increased weapons development by Kim and joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
Some experts suggest that Kim may be seeking to marginalize South Korea’s influence in regional security affairs.
Additionally, this move may signal an intention to engage directly with the United States regarding the nuclear standoff, exacerbated by disagreements over stringent US-led sanctions targeting North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
Kim Jong Un has been strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing, seeking to overcome diplomatic isolation and enhance leverage against Washington.
Additionally, North Korea dismantled pivotal government agencies responsible for South Korean relations during a session of the country’s ceremonial parliament on Monday
Kim Jong Un Rejects Reconciliation with South Korea
Kim Jong Un stated that pursuing reconciliation and peaceful reunification with South Korea is no longer feasible due to what he referred to as the South being “top-class stooges” influenced by external powers with a penchant for confrontational actions.
He called for a constitutional revision, advocating for the definition of South Korea as the North’s “primary foe and invariable principal enemy.”
The amended constitution should outline North Korea’s commitment to “occupying, subjugating, and reclaiming” South Korea in the event of another conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
Additionally, Kim ordered the removal of symbols related to inter-Korean reconciliation, aiming to “completely eliminate” concepts like ‘reunification,’ ‘reconciliation,’ and ‘fellow countrymen’ from the national history.
Specific directives included severing cross-border railway connections and dismantling a Pyongyang monument symbolizing the pursuit of reunification, which Kim deemed an eyesore.
During his address at the assembly, Kim emphasized that North Korea harbors no unilateral intentions to initiate a war, though it does not shy away from one either.
Pointing to the advancement of its military nuclear program, he asserted that a nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula would lead to the cessation of South Korea and result in an “unimaginable disaster and defeat” for the United States.