North Korea Abolishes Inter-Korean Agencies and Designates South Korea as “No. 1 Hostile Country”

In a significant move, North Korea has decided to abolish key agencies responsible for inter-Korean affairs during the 10th session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) held in Pyongyang. According to state media, leader Kim Jong-un declared South Korea as the “No. 1 hostile country” in the Constitution. The dismantled bodies include the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, the National Economic Cooperation Bureau, and the Kumgangsan International Tourism Administration, all geared towards promoting inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation.

Kim called for legal measures defining South Korea as not a counterpart for reconciliation and unification, proposing the incorporation of clauses in the constitution emphasizing the complete occupation and subjugation of South Korea in case of a war on the Korean Peninsula. He also instructed strengthening educational programs to instill the idea that South Korea is the primary foe for North Koreans.

Kim ordered the strict blocking of north-south communication channels along the border, including physically cutting off railway tracks. Additionally, he mandated the dismantling of symbols of inter-Korean reconciliation, including the Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification. Despite expressing no intention to unilaterally start an armed conflict, Kim reiterated North Korea’s firm stance against any violation of its territorial boundaries, especially the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL).