When the Korean Peninsula war broke out, could present-day North Korea resist South Korea?

For a long time, despite the contradictions between North and South Korea, South Korea has been perceived by North Koreans as compatriots, brothers and sisters.

Even with continuous conflicts between the two countries, fundamentally, it's just internal strife between siblings.

However, starting from 2024, this situation has completely changed!

At the beginning of the new year, North Korean leadership proposed to designate South Korea as the "main hostile country" of North Korea constitutionally.

Subsequently, on January 15th, the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea abolished three institutions: the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, the National Economic Cooperation Bureau, and the Mount Kumgang International Tourism Bureau.

These institutions were mainly responsible for strengthening communication and cooperation with South Korea, but they have now been abolished.

Additionally, North Korean leadership proposed banning the use of phrases like "3,000-ri Magnificent Land" or "80 million compatriots," and phrases like "southern half" or "great unity" should not appear on street propaganda slogans.

This means urging the people to completely abandon any "good" thoughts towards South Korea.

These changes may not be immediately apparent, but we can look back at how North Korea's appellations for South Korea have changed over time.

Initially, North Korea referred to South Korea as the "Republic of South Korea" or "South Korea." After the outbreak of the Korean War, this appellation changed to "American imperialist puppet" or "traitor group," and now it has become the "number one hostile country"!

This change clearly indicates that North Korea's hostility towards South Korea is increasing, not only in rhetoric but also in action.

On January 19, 2024, North Korea conducted an underwater nuclear test in the eastern waters of the peninsula, while the United States and South Korea restarted the "Freedom Shield" joint military exercises on March 4th.

In addition to them, 14 countries including Australia, Canada, and the UK participated.

Does this mean they intend to re-establish the United Nations Command of 1950?

It can be said that the global situation in 2024 is indeed somewhat unstable!

No one can guarantee that there won't be any accidental fires across the 38th parallel.

So, if something happens, which of the two Koreas would have the advantage?

Is North Korea really 50 years behind South Korea in terms of military?

According to Western military rankings, North Korea ranks 34th in military power, while South Korea ranks in the top ten globally.

This is mainly because South Korea's economic level is far higher than that of North Korea, and South Korea implements universal conscription, making up for the shortage of troops.

Once a war breaks out, South Korea truly becomes a nation in arms.

What about the military strength of North and South Korea? Let's compare them one by one.

First, let's look at troop numbers. North Korea has 900,000 active-duty soldiers, while South Korea has 560,000.

In terms of navy and air force, North Korea's land-based air defense is superior to South Korea's, but its navy is far behind.

Next, let's look at weapon equipment. North Korea has a large number of tanks, rocket launchers, etc., but most of these equipments are outdated.

South Korea, on the other hand, has introduced more advanced weaponry with the help of NATO technology.

In summary, except for the army, North Korea lags behind South Korea in both the navy and air force.

Once a war breaks out, victory is unlikely to favor North Korea.

Of course, North Korea is also aware of its shortcomings and attaches great importance to army training, hoping to defeat South Korea in ground warfare.

This is a wise strategic direction, as the Korean Peninsula is rugged and mountainous, advantageous for ground forces.

But the rules of modern warfare have undergone thorough changes.

Technology and financial resources will be decisive factors in war.

Although North Korea has nuclear weapons, they are mainly for deterrence. Once used, the consequences would be unimaginable.

The conflict between North and South Korea is not just simple national enmity; it involves many factors. Therefore, they are unlikely to go to war easily.

In the increasingly tense current international situation, we hope that both South Korea and North Korea can maintain restraint and rationality, not to ruin the peace of so many years due to momentary impulse.