North Korea redefines South as ‘hostile state,’ closing door on unity

North Korea has officially closed the door on peaceful unification with South Korea, designating its neighbor as a “hostile state,” according to state-run media.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that roads and railways connected to the eastern and western parts of southern border of North Korea were demolished on Tuesday as an “inevitable and legitimate measure” because South Korea is now considered an enemy.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had called for a constitutional change in January to designate South Korea as a hostile state and to instead push to occupy the country. That month, Kim also tore down a monument that symbolized unification.

North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly met last week, when they likely discussed and made the constitutional change.

KCNA reported that the constitution now “clearly defines [South Korea] as a hostile state” because of the “serious security circumstances running to the unpredictable brink of war owing to the grave political and military provocations of the hostile forces.”

The blowing up of the roads connected to South Korea signals North Korea is also taking practical steps to move further from peace with Seoul.

A spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of National Defense also said the country will continue to take steps “to permanently fortify the closed southern border,” according to KCNA.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been high over the past few years but accelerated in the past year after both nations terminated a 2018 agreement that had reduced military assets at the border.

Pyongyang has ramped up missile and spy satellite tests and has flown trash balloons over the border. North Korea has accused Seoul of flying drones over its capital and dropping leaflets over the border to its residents, while joint U.S.-South Korean exercises have also provoked Pyongyang.