The move comes amid strained tensions between the two Koreas, which has worsened since North's summit with the U.S. in Hanoi collapsed in February 2019. Relations have further deteriorated as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called the North the "main enemy" of South Korea, shortly after taking office in May 2022.
North Korea condemned Seoul and Washington for conducting "unprecedented" military exercises, saying its decision to close the border is aimed at bolstering its security.
As a first step, North Korea wants to sever roads and railways connecting it to the South and fortify the border with defensive structures. The North's military said it has already notified U.S. Forces Korea here via telephone to avoid misunderstandings and accidental clashes.
Many experts have viewed Pyongyang's drastic actions as a largely symbolic gesture intended to provoke Seoul and Washington. But North Korean forces have been detected laying mines, installing barbed wire, and deploying anti-tank obstacle barriers in the demilitarized zone since April this year.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) here responded firmly to the move, saying, "We will never overlook any unilateral action by North Korea to change the status quo," and warned that Pyongyang would bear full responsibility for any consequences.
Dismissing North Korea's statement as "worthless," the JCS accused the regime of focusing on nuclear and missile development while ignoring the suffering of its people. The JCS added that North Korea's actions stem from insecurity within the Kim Jong-un regime and could lead to greater international isolation.
The JCS also warned that any North Korean provocation would be met with overwhelming response, not only against the source but also any supporting or commanding forces, drawing on the strong joint defense posture with its U.S. ally.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
