South Korea Labels North Korea ‘Enemy’ in Defense Paper After 6 Years of Diplomatic Efforts

North Korea’s solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on its Chinese-made or designed transporter erector launcher (TEL) was revealed at a military parade in Pyongyang on Feb. 8, 2023. Courtesy of Rick Fisher via Rodong Sinmum

South Korea has reverted to calling North Korea “our enemy” in its latest defense white paper after six years of futile diplomatic efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula under the former administration.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense released its biennial defense policy document on Thursday, the first of its kind under conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration, who took office in May last year.