PYONGYANG – In an unprecedented amendment to its constitution, North Korea has declared South Korea its principal enemy. This development marks a dramatic turning point in the already tense relations between the two countries on the Korean Peninsula.

The state news agency KCNA reported that the North Korean parliament passed the constitutional amendment last week. This follows a demand by North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un at the end of 2023, in which he called for South Korea to be listed as the main enemy in the constitution.

The decision to designate South Korea as a hostile state is a clear signal of the intensification of political rhetoric. It could have far-reaching consequences for security in the region. Since the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, which ended with an armistice and not a peace treaty, the two nations have been formally in a state of war. The recent statements by Kim Jong Un and the constitutional amendment further exacerbate the situation.

Experts see this development as a possible response to international sanctions against North Korea and the increasing tensions with the United States. There are fears that this escalation could lead to a destabilization of the entire region. The South Korean government has not yet officially responded to the constitutional amendment, but it is expected that they will ask the international community for support to find a peaceful solution.

The inter-Korean relations have always been complex and marked by mistrust. This latest development could further complicate efforts towards rapprochement and lasting peace on the peninsula. (zai)