North Korea has announced plans to halt all road and railway access to South Korea starting Wednesday, aiming to “completely separate” the two nations. The military has stated that it will “permanently shut off and block the southern border,” enhancing fortifications on its territory.
According to the Korean People’s Army (KPA), this decision is a “self-defensive measure” against perceived threats from military exercises held in South Korea and the ongoing presence of American nuclear weapons in the vicinity. This development represents a significant escalation in hostilities at a time when tensions between the Koreas are at their highest in years.
“The acute military situation on the Korean peninsula necessitates more resolute actions by the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) armed forces to better defend national security,” the KPA declared in a report.
While the declaration appears largely symbolic—given that roads and rail connections to the South are rarely used and have been systematically dismantled over the past year—it comes amidst a broader shift in North Korea’s approach to its southern neighbor. This follows a series of provocative incidents damaging bilateral relations, including missile tests and the release of numerous balloons over the border.
Notably, at the beginning of 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un indicated a departure from aspirations for reunification with South Korea, heightening concerns about potential conflict on the peninsula. Kim suggested revising the DPRK Constitution, proposing the removal of sections mentioning “northern half” and “independence, peaceful reunification, and great national unity.”
Although the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) recently convened, expectations of constitutional amendments related to unification and border policies did not materialize. Analysts propose that North Korea may be holding off on decisions until after the upcoming US elections, potentially adjusting its strategy based on the results.
As of now, it remains uncertain if the decision to sever all transport links with the South stemmed from discussions during the SPA session.
