Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Technically speaking, the two countries are still at war.
North Korea is planning a massive defensive buildup along its shared border with South Korea, Reuters reported, citing North Korean state media outlet KCNA.
According to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that he wants to drastically upgrade his frontline units during a Sunday gathering of military commanders from across the army.
The ultimate goal involves creating what Kim described as an “impregnable fortress” while “more thoroughly deterring war” across the region. He also reminded his top brass to stay sharply focused on their southern neighbor.
He urged deep vigilance against the “arch enemy,” according to the state news report.
Changing the rules
The physical construction is already underway. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff noted on Monday that northern troops have spent months erecting new walls and border structures.
But the northern leader also wants a tactical shift. KCNA reported that Kim demanded updated training routines to match the realities of modern combat.
A security expert in Seoul believes this new direction stems from observing recent global conflicts. Hong Min works as a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
He suggested that Pyongyang is taking careful notes on the current use of drones and electronic warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Technically still at war
Even though the Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953, the two countries never actually agreed on a peace deal.
Instead, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in July 1953, establishing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South and ending active hostilities.
The border has seen multiple provocations over the years, including information warfare, missile testing, and even military standoffs.
Sources: KCNA, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, South Korea’s Unification Ministry, Korea Institute for National Unification, Reuters
