North Korea has amended its constitution to remove references to reunification and explicitly label South Korea a "hostile state." The changes also solidify Kim Jong Un's sole authority over nuclear weapons, raising concerns about increased risk of nuclear crisis and pre-emptive use.
The constitutional changes solidify Kim Jong Un's absolute control over North Korea's nuclear arsenal and reframe inter-Korean relations as hostile, significantly increasing the risk of nuclear crisis and pre-emptive use, while also impacting regional stability and international diplomacy.
North Korea has significantly revised its constitution, a move that has sparked international concern and debate. Adopted in March by the Supreme People's Assembly, the changes delete four articles and amend 64 others, notably removing all references to reunification efforts initiated by former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jung Il. Instead, the constitution now emphasizes "national interest protection" and explicitly designates South Korea as a "hostile state," abandoning reunification as a national objective.
Kim Jong Un's formal position has been elevated from "Supreme Leader" to "Head of State" as President of the State Affairs Commission. The amendments consolidate power by transferring the authority to appoint and dismiss key officials from the Supreme People's Assembly to Kim personally, and grant him veto power over the Assembly's decisions. Most critically, the revised constitution codifies Kim's sole authority over the use of nuclear weapons, removing any reference to other government bodies and significantly lowering the threshold for their potential use.
Analysts suggest these changes signal a shift in North Korea's foreign policy, balancing dependence on China with closer ties to Russia, and viewing nuclear weapons as an offensive instrument rather than solely a deterrent. North Korea has also reportedly advised Iran on negotiation tactics with the U.S., emphasizing a refusal to relinquish nuclear weapons. South Korea's government is closely monitoring these developments, with its national security advisor stating a continued pursuit of peaceful coexistence, though the designation of South Korea as a "hostile state" leaves the prospect of peaceful coexistence uncertain.