North Korea just tore up the map and called its neighbor an enemy.

Kim Jong Un changed the law to name South Korea a "hostile state," ending decades of talk about one day being one family again.

For seventy years, two nations shared a dream of coming back together. Now, that dream has been legally killed by a pen stroke.

WHAT HAPPENED

North Korea changed its main law book. It used to say South Korea was a partner. Now, it says they are a "hostile state."

This means they are not looking for peace anymore. They are looking for a fight. Experts say this gives the North a legal reason to attack.

This move follows months of Kim Jong Un testing big missiles. He has been using mean words against the South for a long time. Now, those words are the law.

What the evidence shows

• The law now calls South Korea a "hostile state."
• The goal of joining the two lands back together is gone.
• Tensions are at the highest point in 10 years.
• Kim Jong Un has increased his tests of new weapons.
• U.S. leaders say they will still protect the South.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why now? Kim Jong Un is making it legal to hate his neighbor.

Is he doing this because he feels strong, or because he is afraid? He might fear his people want the life they see in the South. By calling them an enemy, he makes it harder for his people to want to join them.

THE OTHER SIDE

North Korea says this is about safety. They claim the U.S. and South Korea are planning to attack them first. While the North has many weapons, there is no proof the South wants a war that would hurt everyone.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

This makes a mistake much more dangerous. If a small fight breaks out at the border, there is no longer a law saying they should try to fix it.

People living near the border are now living next to a neighbor who has officially declared them an enemy. This could lead to more troops and more weapons in the area.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Will North Korea start a small fight to test the new law?
2. How will China react to its neighbor getting more aggressive?
3. Can the two sides ever go back to talking about peace?

SOURCE NOTE: Based on reporting from The Hill. All charges are allegations - Kim Jong Un is presumed innocent until proven guilty.