In a recent development, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has accused the South Korean government of orchestrating drone activities, issuing a stern warning that if drones invade Pyongyang’s airspace again, Seoul could face “terrible disaster.” This statement comes on the heels of North Korea’s destruction of the inter-Korean Gyeongui and Donghae railway lines on October 15, signaling a severance of ties with South Korea. According to the Associated Press, it is unlikely that Kim Jong-un will mount a pre-emptive large-scale attack against the South, given the military superiority of the U.S. and South Korea, which poses a survival threat to Pyongyang. Thus, the destruction of the railways appears to be more symbolic, intended to express growing anger towards the increasingly conservative South Korean government.
Historically, North Korea has been known to destroy facilities on its own territory to convey political messages. In 2020, in retaliation for anti-North Korean leaflets floated from the South, the North demolished an abandoned office building built by South Korea near the border. Additionally, in 2018, during the early stages of nuclear diplomacy with Washington, North Korea blew up tunnels at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site and dismantled some of its facilities. In 2008, during disarmament negotiations with the U.S. and others in exchange for aid, North Korea also destroyed the cooling tower of its main nuclear facility.
The recent destruction of South Korean-built railway tracks aligns with an order issued by Kim Jong-un earlier this year, which called for abandoning the goal of peaceful unification and amending the constitution to categorize South Korea as a “permanent principal enemy.” This shift has surprised Western nations, as it represents a stark break from the long-standing dream of a unified Korea espoused by his predecessors, including Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
Experts suggest that Kim Jong-un’s actions are aimed at diminishing South Korea’s voice in the regional nuclear standoff while seeking direct engagement with Washington and hoping to reduce South Korea’s cultural influence.
In recent weeks, North Korea has issued multiple provocative statements, reinforcing expert analyses. Beyond accusing South Korea of deploying drones to drop leaflets over Pyongyang three times this month, North Korea has threatened military responses if such incidents recur. Kim Yo-jong has also claimed to have evidence linking South Korea’s “military rogues” as the masterminds behind the drone incidents, warning that Seoul will “pay a heavy price.”
Additionally, state media reported that during a national security meeting on October 14, Kim Jong-un commanded an “immediate military action” plan. The North Korean military has claimed its frontline troops are prepared to open fire, with threats to turn South Korea into “ashes.”
In the 2000s, inter-Korean relations experienced a thaw, with both sides reconnecting two railways along the border. However, disputes over Pyongyang’s nuclear program halted those initiatives. Last week, North Korea announced a permanent closure of its border with South Korea, laying down anti-tank barriers, planting landmines, and removing streetlights. In recent years, they have also conducted a series of missile tests.
