Explained: Why tensions are escalating between North and South Korea
Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated after Pyongyang accused Seoul of flying drones over its capital. The drones reportedly scattered propaganda leaflets, an act North Korea termed as a provocation which could lead to "armed conflict and even war." In retaliation, Pyongyang ordered its border troops to be ready to fire while South warned any threat to its citizens would signal the "end of the North Korean regime."
North Korea destroys roads, claims military enlistment surge
On Tuesday, North Korea destroyed parts of two roads linking it with South Korea, honoring an earlier threat. The next day, Pyongyang alleged that 1.4 million young North Koreans had applied to join or return to the army. These incidents are part of the ongoing tensions since Kim Jong Un declared South Korea as his regime's number one enemy in January.
North Korea accuses South of nighttime drone flights
North Korea's foreign ministry accused the South of sending drones over Pyongyang at night for two weeks. Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, warned Seoul about "horrible consequences" if such flights occurred again. She claimed there was "clear evidence" that "military gangsters" from the South were responsible for these provocations. North Korea released images purportedly showing the drones and leaflets but these claims cannot be independently verified.
South Korea's response and heightened border surveillance
Initially, South Korea denied flying drones into the North but later said it could neither confirm nor deny the allegations. Speculation is rife that activists may have flown the drones using balloons to send materials into North. Amid this, South Korean military stepped up surveillance and fired weapons on its side of the border as a show of force. Gyeonggi Province designated 11 inter-Korean border areas as "danger zones" to prevent anti-North propaganda leaflets from being sent across the border.
Analysts suggest North Korea's strategy amid rising tensions
Analysts believe North Korea is using these incidents to strengthen internal support by depicting external threats. Professor Kang Dong-wan said North Korea depends on fear politics and needs an external enemy for regime loyalty. Both Koreas are locked in a standoff with neither side ready to concede. Despite rising tensions, analysts doubt a full-scale war will break out as both sides know they can't afford a full-blown conflict.
