North Korea enshrines two-state doctrine, drops unification from party charter

The Workers' Party of Korea's statute, published for the first time, codifies Kim Jong Un's shift to treating South Korea as a hostile state, removing 'peaceful unification' from party goals. This formalizes a doctrinal reversal announced in early 2024, marking a permanent break in inter-Korean relations. The move raises the risk of miscalculation on the peninsula and complicates any future diplomatic engagement.