Seoul: North Korean state media released a white paper on Sunday accusing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of putting his country at risk of nuclear war through his policies towards the North. The document, compiled by North Korea’s Institute of Enemy State Studies and released by state news agency KCNA, criticized Yoon’s actions such as making reckless remarks about war, abandoning parts of an inter-Korean agreement, engaging in nuclear war planning with the United States, and seeking closer ties with Japan and NATO.
The white paper highlighted the consequences of Yoon’s military moves, stating that they have only led to North Korea accelerating its nuclear weapons stockpiling and enhancing its nuclear attack capabilities. Yoon, known for his conservative stance, has taken a tough approach towards North Korea, which has continued to develop its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Yoon’s administration has blamed North Korea for escalating tensions through weapons tests and providing military support to aid Russia in the Ukraine conflict. In response, Pyongyang has been taking steps to cut off inter-Korean relations, viewing the South as a hostile enemy state. North Korea recently destroyed sections of inter-Korean roads and rail lines on its side of the border, and has since constructed large trenches across the former crossings.
Despite efforts to improve relations, the two Koreas remain technically at war since the armistice that ended the 1950-53 conflict. Tensions have also risen over trash-filled balloons sent from North Korea since May, with Pyongyang citing them as retaliation to balloons from anti-regime activists in the South.
The white paper also highlighted Yoon’s domestic troubles, including scandals involving his wife that have led to record-low approval ratings. The political situation in South Korea remains turbulent, with Yoon facing criticism both at home and abroad for his handling of relations with North Korea.
The ongoing tensions between North and South Korea underscore the complex and delicate nature of their relationship, with the specter of nuclear war looming large. As both countries navigate these challenges, the need for diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent.
