North Korea’s state media reported on Thursday that the country’s rubber-stamp parliament has voted to repeal laws governing economic cooperation with South Korea, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbors.
Relations between North and South Korea have deteriorated significantly in recent years, with Pyongyang focusing on advancing its weapons development programs while Seoul strengthens military ties with Washington and Tokyo. As a result, key projects aimed at inter-Korean economic cooperation have remained suspended for an extended period.
During a plenary meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly on Wednesday, officials unanimously voted to abolish the law on inter-Korean economic cooperation, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
This decision follows Pyongyang’s recent declaration of Seoul as its main enemy, the dissolution of agencies dedicated to reunification, and threats to occupy South Korea during wartime.
Additionally, the parliament approved the abolition of a special law governing the Mount Kumgang tourism project, which was once a prominent symbol of inter-Korean collaboration. The resort, constructed by South Korea’s Hyundai Asan on one of North Korea’s picturesque mountains, previously attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from the South until tours abruptly ceased in 2008 following the fatal shooting of a South Korean tourist by a North Korean soldier.
Mount Kumgang was one of the most significant inter-Korean initiatives, alongside the Kaesong Industrial Complex, where South Korean companies employed North Korean workers. However, Seoul withdrew from the project in 2016 due to North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches, citing concerns that profits from Kaesong were funding Pyongyang’s provocations.
In 2020, North Korea demolished a liaison office with South Korea located on its side of the border, further straining relations between the two countries.
With years of border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restarting North Korea’s tourism industry could provide a crucial source of revenue. However, such actions could potentially violate international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Reports indicate that Russian tourists are scheduled to visit North Korea this month, signaling a potential shift in Pyongyang’s focus towards closer ties with Moscow amidst global sanctions.