Tensions between North and South Korea have been rising in recent months, culminating in Pyongyang’s decision to cut off roads completely and railways connected to South Korea starting from Wednesday, October 9th.
Even 60 years after the Korean War, North Korea still regards its southern neighbor as the ‘primary hostile state and invariable principal enemy’. The Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty, which means that technically, the two Koreas are still at war. The armistice left North Korea and South Korea in a state of ceasefire, but not a formal resolution. Although deadly clashes have sporadically occurred since active hostilities between the two nations ended with the 1950-1953 Korean War, recent incidents represent an unusual increase in activity near the demarcation line.
Trash Balloons
Since May, thousands of balloons carrying bags of trash have crossed the border, creating new tensions between North and South Korea. The balloons have also caused disruptions at Seoul’s Incheon airport, a major international airport and cargo hub located about 40 km from North Korea, and at Gimpo International Airport. According to data from the Seoul Regional Aviation Administration, runway operations have been halted 20 times, totalling 413 minutes.
Apart from the disruptions at the airports, the trash balloons triggered a fire on the roof of a residential building and even landed within the grounds of the South Korean presidential palace. They have also impacted cars, farms, neighbourhoods, restaurants, and schools across various parts of the country.
Breaching of the Demarcation Line
In June, three incidents occurred along the border where dozens of North Korean soldiers crossed the demarcation line dividing North and South Korea. The South Korean army fired warning shots, prompting the soldiers to retreat to the North. No casualties were reported.
Putin’s Visit to North Korea
One of these breaching incidents occurred right after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. The last time the Russian President visited North Korea was in July 2000, 24 years ago. During the visit, the two countries signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement, which, according to Putin, includes a mutual defence provision in the event of aggression against either nation.
Landmines along the Border
North Korean soldiers have also been laying landmines, building barriers, and clearing areas along the front line for months despite facing accidents, South Korea’s military reported on Wednesday. The work has persisted despite around ten incidents, including landmine explosions and heat-related illnesses, resulting in multiple casualties, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) via a Defence Ministry statement.
