"The next station is Yeok Station"... North Korea Renames Subway Tongil Station

Pyongyang Subway Tongil Station, 'Tongil' Phrase Removed
"Abandonment of Korean Peaceful Unification, Policy Shift Measure"

It has been confirmed that the word 'Tongil' (Unification) has been removed from 'Tongil Station' in Pyongyang, North Korea. On the 20th, Kyodo News reported, "It was confirmed through the Facebook account of the Russian Embassy in North Korea that 'Tongil Station' on the Chollima Line of the Pyongyang Metro is simply labeled as 'Station' on the route map." On the same day, the Russian Embassy in North Korea shared photos on social media showing their staff taking pictures of the route map displayed on monitors inside the Pyongyang Metro trains.

[Image source=Captured from the Facebook page of the Embassy of Russia in Pyongyang]

In the photo, it can be seen that at Tongil Station, located between Seungri Station and Gaeseong Station on the Chollima Line, the word 'Tongil' has been removed. The news agency pointed out that this is "a measure related to North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's declaration of abandoning peace unification with South Korea and shifting policies," adding, "This movement is also affecting South Korea-targeted propaganda websites and changes to the national anthem lyrics."

Chairman Kim stated at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party on December 30 last year, "Discussing unification because of the rhetorical expression of being compatriots is not fitting for our national dignity and status," defining inter-Korean relations as "hostile relations between two states." He also said, "Considering the other side as a partner for reconciliation and unification is a mistake we must no longer make," expressing the position that unification cannot be achieved.

In his policy speech at the Supreme People's Assembly on the 15th of last month, he also said, "The concepts of unification and compatriots must be removed from the nation's history." Accordingly, North Korea abolished the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, the National Economic Cooperation Bureau, and the Mount Kumgang International Tourism Bureau, which existed for inter-Korean dialogue, negotiations, and cooperation. Furthermore, Chairman Kim ordered the demolition of the Three Great Charters for National Reunification Monument, which he described as an eyesore standing at the southern gateway of the capital Pyongyang, and reportedly changed parts of the lyrics of the national anthem 'Aegukka,' removing the word 'Samcheolli,' which refers to the entire Korean Peninsula.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.