Conflicts
Kim Jong Un wants to enshrine South Korea as an enemy in the constitution
The situation on the Korean peninsula is more tense than it has been for years. For ruler Kim Jong Un, unification with his southern neighbor is no longer possible. photo
© Uncredited/KCNA/KNS/dpa
The situation on the Korean peninsula is more tense than it has been for years. For ruler Kim Jong Un, unification with his southern neighbor is no longer possible.
North Korea’s rulers Kim Jong Un wants to anchor the description of South Korea as the number one enemy state in his country’s socialist constitution.
In a speech to parliament in Pyongyang on Monday, Kim stressed that unification with the southern neighbor was no longer possible, state-controlled media reported. Phrases such as “independence, peaceful reunification and great national unity” would have to be deleted from the constitution. In the event of war, Kim threatened to use nuclear weapons.
Tense situation
Against the backdrop of the conflict over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, the situation on the Korean peninsula is more tense than it has been for years. The one-party state is subject to harsh international sanctions. Kim had recently described South Korea as the main enemy during an inspection visit to ammunition factories and announced a complete reorientation of the previous unification policy.
According to observers, this also reflects dissatisfaction with South Korea’s conservative government under President Yoon Suk Yeol, which has taken a tougher approach than the liberal previous government. There has been radio silence between the two countries for a long time.
Kim Jong Un: South Korea and the USA as main enemies
At the parliamentary session, Kim again accused South Korea of seeking to overthrow its government and unify through absorption. He was quoted as saying that it must be made clear through a constitutional amendment that all North Koreans must be instilled with the firm idea “that South Korea is their first opponent and their main, immovable enemy.” The USA also sees Pyongyang as a main enemy.
The constitution should also specifically answer the question of “occupation”, “reconquest” and “incorporation” of the South in the event of a war, Kim demanded. “We don’t want war, but we have no intention of avoiding it either.” Kim hinted that the constitution could be changed at the next parliamentary session.
In line with Kim’s new course, parliament decided in its recent session to disband three agencies for inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, including the Committee for the Country’s Peaceful Reunification. North Korea had announced the dissolution of all organs dealing with South Korea.
Criticism from South Korea
South Korea’s president criticized the North Korean ruler’s sharp rhetoric. “The people of North Korea form one people with us and they have equal rights to enjoy peace, human rights and prosperity,” Yoon said at a cabinet meeting in Seoul, according to the national news agency Yonhap.
The Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea is also referred to abroad as a mock parliament. It usually meets only a few times a year to approve decisions made by the state leadership and the Workers’ Party.