N.Korea's removal of unification references could cause ideological confusion: Minister

Seoul, Feb 25 (IANS): North Korea’s recent removal of unification references has raised concerns about potential instability within the regime, leading to fears of a military provocation. Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho warned of an ideological vacuum among North Korea’s elite, following the dismantlement of a monument honoring past leaders.

During a broadcast on KBS, Minister Kim expressed his worries about erasing the achievements of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, which are foundational to the regime’s hereditary power. He emphasized the risk of internal conflict leading to a military provocation to restore stability in North Korea.

In response to these developments, Minister Kim highlighted the South Korean government’s preparedness, stating, “Our government considers the situation very serious, and we have prepared thorough measures in response, including military deterrence measures.”

Additionally, the removal of images of the Korean Peninsula from North Korean broadcasts is seen as an attempt to diminish the North Korean people’s interest in South Korean society. Minister Kim suggested that this move reflects North Korea’s perceived loss in the ongoing regime competition with South Korea.