(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 17)

North Korea has severed the remnants of inter-Korean reconciliation by demolishing sections of roads linked to an overland railway. These roads were part of the Gyeongui and Donghae lines, connecting the two Koreas on the west and east coasts, originally constructed at North Korea's request with financial support from South Korea. The explosion occurred so close to the border that it was visible from the South Korean side. It's regrettable that North Korea is heightening tensions as geopolitical instability continues to affect the East Asia region, with North Korea and Russia cooperating in the latter's war in Ukraine. Adding to the tension is the North's aggressive response to the drones it accuses the South of sending. South Korean authorities have remained ambiguous on the matter. The explosion strongly signals the regime's intent to officially characterize the two Koreas as "hostile states." About a week ago, the North's Korean People's Army (KPA) announced through the state-controlled Korean Central Ne ws Agency that it would completely sever the North from the South. This declaration follows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's stance since late last year, asserting that the Koreas are two hostile states with no hope for reconciliation or unification. In the following month, Kim called for the "physical and complete" cutoff of overland railways. Following Tuesday's blasts, South Korea responded by firing warning shots as a precautionary measure. Our military authorities must remain vigilant to prevent further escalation of tensions. While the North's harsh rhetoric regarding the drones can be classified more as a verbal threat, the regime has executed precise attacks against the South as recently as 2010. This situation requires heightened attention to defense, security, and effective risk management. The Ministry of Unification condemned North Korea's actions as "regressive," placing full responsibility on the regime. This is not the first time the North has resorted to shock-and-awe tactics. In 2020, it b lew up a joint liaison office in a border town as a political statement after nuclear talks with the United States collapsed. In 2018, North Korea also demolished tunnels at its nuclear testing site at the start of nuclear diplomacy talks. With North Korea accusing the South of alleged drone incursions, officials must closely monitor whether the North's escalating actions will unfold further in the near future. Members of the regime's top family are playing a significant role in this process. Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who warned of "horrible calamity" on Tuesday, claimed they had evidence that the drones were South Korean. The day before, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened a rare National Security Council meeting to direct plans for "immediate military action." The roads and railways were built with an investment of over $132 million from Seoul. Under Kim Jong-un, these projects have been symbolic, but their demolition signifies a further erosion of inter- Korean cooperation efforts initiated since 2002. We must consider the accelerating collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine. Seoul should remain calm and strategic in its diplomatic endeavors, especially given Russia's support on Tuesday of North Korea's claims regarding the "drone incursions," categorizing these actions as infringements of sovereignty and interference in internal affairs. Amid a series of explosive statements, Kim Yo-jong recently asserted that the U.S. should be held responsible for Seoul's alleged drone incursion, which experts interpret as a request for mediation. Seoul officials must consider the complex array of direct provocations from the North, including emotionally charged saber-rattling threats and explosions, all under Kim Jong-un's "two-state" narrative. More broadly, Seoul should enhance its readiness against a Pyongyang emboldened by its recent engagement with Russia, while the regime continues to express its desire to communicate di rectly with the United States. Senior diplomatic officials from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, who convened in Seoul on Wednesday, must have discussed North Korea's recent provocations. Source: Yonhap News Agency