North Korea’s leader warned South of using “physical” force in response to Pyongyang’s violation of sovereignty, Korean media reported on Friday.
Kim Jong Un said on Thursday, according to the Korean Central News Agency, which published a report with footage of the North Korean speaking to military personnel:
Our army should keep in mind once again the stark fact that the ROK (South Korea) is a foreign country and an apparent hostile country.
He made the remarks during an inspection of the headquarters of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) 2nd Corps.
Kim’s military instructions during the visit come amid heightened tensions following alleged drone flights earlier this month over Pyongyang, which blames the South Korean military. A statement from the DPRK Foreign Ministry claimed the leaflets were “imbued with malicious lies and coarse words that insult the state power, dignity of the DPRK and maliciously slander the socialist system” and that the drones launched could be used as an offensive tool. Seoul, which says it cannot confirm the allegations, conducted live missile and artillery drills near the border on Thursday.
Referring to North Korea’s decision to destroy cross-border land communications in response to suspected drone flights, Kim said:
We completely blocked the roads and railways to the territory of the ROK two days ago through blasting.
The divided Koreas are linked by key routes – the Gyeongui Line, which connects the western South Korean city of Paju to North Korea’s Kaesong, and the Donghae Line along the east coast.
Earlier this week, Pyongyang used explosive devices to close both land routes. Kim said:
It means not only the physical closure but also the end of the evil relationship with Seoul which persistently lasted century after century and the complete removal of the useless awareness about fellow countrymen and unreasonable idea of reunification.
Calling the closure of the land routes “the last declaration,” Kim said that if North Korea’s sovereignty is violated by the South, Pyongyang will not hesitate to use “physical force without adhering to any more conditions.”
Pointing to the “changed nature of the ROK-US alliance” amid the increased deployment of US nuclear forces in the region, Kim also vowed to strengthen Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent, saying he would end “bad” relations with Seoul.
The report said Kim was briefed by the army commander on the “enemy situation” as well as the combat readiness of the brigades, which are “ready for action.” Kim also added:
Only the peace defended with the powerful strength capable of controlling the enemy is the reliable, safe, lasting one.
Korean media reported on Wednesday that more than 1.4 million DPRK citizens have expressed a desire to join the army because of the escalating relations with South Korea.
