SEOUL, South Korea — On Wednesday, North Korea announced it would permanently seal its border with South Korea and enhance its front-line defense capabilities in response to what it described as “confrontational hysteria” from South Korean and U.S. forces. The announcement did not include the anticipated constitutional revision that would officially label South Korea as its primary adversary and establish new national boundaries.
While seal the border actions are likely intended as a pressure tactic, their impact on relations with South Korea remains uncertain, given that cross-border travel and exchanges have been suspended for years. The North’s military stated it would “completely cut off roads and railways” connecting to South Korea and “strengthen defense structures” in relevant areas, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
North Korea characterized these measures as “self-defensive actions aimed at preventing war and safeguarding the nation’s security.” It accused “hostile forces” of becoming increasingly reckless amid what it described as growing confrontation, referencing various military exercises in South Korea, the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, and harsh rhetoric from its adversaries.
South Korean officials had previously noted that North Korea had been constructing anti-tank barriers and reinforcing its roadways since April, likely to enhance its front-line security and discourage defections of its soldiers and citizens to the South.
Earlier on Wednesday, KCNA reported that the Supreme People’s Assembly convened for two days to discuss amendments to the legal working and voting ages for North Koreans. However, it did not confirm whether the assembly addressed leader Kim Jong Un’s directive from January to revise the constitution, which would eliminate the goal of peaceful unification and formally designate South Korea as the “invariable principal enemy,” while outlining the North’s sovereign territorial claims.
Some experts suggest that North Korea may have postponed the constitutional changes, while others speculate it could have amended the constitution discreetly due to its sensitive nature.
Kim’s directive surprised many analysts, as it appeared to reject his predecessors’ longstanding aspirations for a unified Korea on the North’s terms. Experts believe Kim is likely seeking to diminish South Korea’s influence in the regional nuclear dialogue and pursue direct negotiations with the U.S., while also aiming to reduce the impact of South Korean culture and strengthen his domestic authority.
