North Korea Labels South Korea as 'Permanent Enemy'

North Korea has declared South Korea as a 'permanent enemy,' according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on February 26. During the ninth congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, held in Pyongyang, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized the hostile stance towards South Korea, stating that it is considered a 'thorough enemy.' According to Jin10, Kim Jong-un asserted that North Korea has no relations with South Korea, which he described as the 'most hostile entity,' and will forever exclude it from the category of compatriots. This marks a firm principle in North Korea's stance, positioning the inter-Korean relationship as one of the most adversarial between nations. Kim Jong-un highlighted recent provocations, including airspace violations by South Korea, as evidence of its untrustworthiness as a neighbor. He dismissed the notion of dialogue and cooperation with South Korea as 'unscientific and unrealistic,' suggesting that North Korea will not pursue such engagements. Kim Jong-un further stated that as long as South Korea remains geopolitically adjacent to North Korea, its only path to security is to avoid contact with the North. He warned that any actions perceived as threats to North Korea's security environment could prompt a response from Pyongyang.