North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Vows to Remove Reunification Monument

The Monument and Kim Jong Un's Declaration

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced a plan to remove a massive monument that symbolizes the possible reunification of the Korean Peninsula, denouncing it as an 'eyesore.' This bold move, declared during a speech at a Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) meeting in Pyongyang, reflects a departure from the policies of his father and grandfather, marking a significant shift in North Korean policy.

This picture taken on October 19, 2021 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on October 20, 2021 shows test fire of a new type submarine-launched ballistic missile in an undisclosed location in North Korea. (Photo by various sources / AFP) / South Korea OUT / ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / THIS PICTURE WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY A THIRD PARTY. AFP CAN NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, LOCATION, DATE AND CONTENT OF THIS IMAGE --- / (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The monument, known as the Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification, was constructed by Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, in 2001. It spans nine stories and stands as a symbol of the efforts to unite North and South Korea, representing the principles of Kim Jong Il and his father, Kim Il Sung. Kim Jong Un's strong rhetoric and the call for the destruction of this symbolic structure signal a break from decades of North Korean policy, according to experts.

The monument's location, straddling the Reunification Highway between Pyongyang and the demilitarized zone separating the North and South, adds to its significance as a symbolic structure. Kim Jong Un's emphatic declaration to remove the monument and eliminate the concepts of reunification, reconciliation, and fellow countrymen from the national history of North Korea marks a significant shift in the country's stance towards reunification.

North Korea's Shift in Policy

Kim Jong Un's recent statements and actions reflect a shift in North Korean policy, signaling a departure from the goal of reunification and an increasingly hostile stance towards South Korea. The demolition of the reunification monument and the abolishment of agencies for promoting cooperation with Seoul demonstrate a significant change in North Korea's approach to its southern neighbor.

The North Korean leader's rejection of the principle of peaceful reunification, introduced by his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, in the 1970s, marks a stark departure from the country's historical stance. Kim Jong Un's declaration that the North does not want war but has no intention of avoiding it, coupled with the dismantling of agencies for cooperation with South Korea, underscores the shift in North Korean policy.

Furthermore, North Korea's Parliament announced the abolishment of agencies and entities designed for cooperation with South Korea, emphasizing the increasingly hostile relationship between the two nations. The move to reject the principle of peaceful reunification and portray South Korea as a principal enemy represents a significant change in North Korea's approach to inter-Korean relations.

South Korea's Response and International Implications

In response to Kim Jong Un's recent rhetoric and actions, South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized that his government will not be intimidated by North Korea's threats. Yoon's firm stance and commitment to defending South Korea against provocations from the North reflect the escalating tensions between the two Koreas.

Yoon's assertion that the South's quarrel is with the Kim regime, not the people of North Korea, underscores the importance of distinguishing between the leadership of North Korea and its citizens. Additionally, South Korea's Defense White Paper, which labeled the North Korean regime and military as the country's enemy, highlights the growing tensions and the firm stance adopted by the South.

The international community closely watches the evolving situation on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea's shift in policy and the escalating tensions with South Korea have broader implications for regional stability. The rejection of peaceful reunification and the increasing portrayal of South Korea as a principal enemy raise concerns about the potential for heightened conflict and the impact on inter-Korean relations.