According to Kim, relations between the two Koreas have devolved into “a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war,” as reported by the official news agency KCNA.
Kim stated that It’s time for North Korea to face reality and clarify its relationship with the South. He also stated that Pyongyang’s nuclear war deterrent will not back off to take serious action if the USA and South Korea attempted to engage it in military action.
Question here arises is why North Korea is Doing such attacks , and why there is so much tension between the 2 nations despite having the same ancestral history and genes.
Introduction
The division between North and South Korea has long been a source of geopolitical tension on the Korean Peninsula, serving as a constant reminder of the precarious state of regional peace. The intricate relationship between geopolitical interests, ideological differences, and historical grievances has made it possible for even the smallest provocation to turn into a serious crisis.
History of the conflict
When the Korean Peninsula was freed from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II, Korea was divided. The peninsula was split into two distinct zones of occupation in 1945, the North, supported by the Soviet Union, and the South, backed by the United States, along the 38th parallel. The communist Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the North, led by Kim Il-sung, and the capitalist Republic of Korea (ROK) in the South, led by Syngman Rhee, were established as two distinct states as a result of this division.
The Korean War (1950–1953) resulted from the United States and the Soviet Union’s Cold War rivalry, which further widened the rift between North and South Korea. Rather than a peace treaty, a ceasefire ended the war. leaving the Korean Peninsula technically still at war and the two Koreas in a state of perpetual hostility.
Points of disagreement between the North Korea and Seoul
North and South Korea’s relationship has remained tense and volatile despite many attempts for cooperation and reconciliation. There are many factors which has created rift between 2 nations
Ideological Difference: South Korea has embraced democracy and capitalism, while North Korea adheres to Juche ideology, a doctrine of militarism and self-reliance. Over time, mistrust and hostility between the two Koreas have been exacerbated by their ideological differences.
Military development : The two Koreas have substantial military capabilities and keep sizable standing armies. Tensions are further heightened by U.S. military presence in South Korea and frequent joint military drills between the two countries, which North Korea views as provocative acts of aggression.
Nuclear plans: The development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology by North Korea has raised serious concerns for the stability of the surrounding area. North Korea defies diplomatic efforts and international sanctions to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has continued to conduct missile tests and expand its nuclear arsenal, heightening tensions in the region.
Cross-Border Provocations: Occasional instances of cross-border provocations, like naval skirmishes and artillery exchanges, have raised concerns about the possibility that they will escalate into full-scale warfare. One of the world’s most heavily fortified borders, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea serves as a continual reminder that hostilities may break out.
One point which specifically grabs my attention is involvement of USA
Whether its Russia Ukraine or Korean Conflict or Israel Palestine, USA has been a consistent influencer in all these conflicts
Conclusion
A persistent and difficult geopolitical conundrum of our day is the tension between North and South Korea. Even though there are many challenges in the way of peace on the Korean Peninsula, progress can still be made through communication, diplomacy, and steps that foster confidence.