Story perspectives

North Korea Revamps Constitution, Cuts Reunification, Elevates Kim Jong-un

5/7/2026

Summary

Kim Jong-un Rewrites Constitution

North Korea amended its constitution in March 2026, removing all references to peaceful reunification and national unity.
Article 2 now defines the DPRK’s borders with China, Russia, the Republic of Korea and adjacent waters.
Kim Jong un is designated head of state and Article 89 grants him sole nuclear command with delegation authority.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry released the revised constitution on May 6 2026, noting a two-state stance.

Summary

Kim Jong-un Escalates

In February, Kim Jong-un pledged to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, fired four missiles in April, and declared South Korea permanently excluded.
Seoul reported in March that North Korea resumed building border fortifications.
A North Korean women’s football team will play a match in South Korea in May as a sports-diplomacy gesture.
Pyongyang linked with Russia, sending troops and artillery to support the 2024 Ukraine invasion and hosting Russian officials.

History

Historical Context

In April 1992 the Supreme People’s Assembly amended the constitution, creating the National Defence Commission as the top state organ and giving Kim Jong Il direct command of the Korean People’s Army (about 1.28 million troops). That centralization set a precedent echoed in the October 2024 revision, which replaced the NDC with the State Affairs Commission, removed reunification language, and concentrated power under Kim Jong Un.

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Kim Jong-un Rewrites Constitution

North Korea amended its constitution in March 2026, removing all references to peaceful reunification and national unity.
Article 2 now defines the DPRK’s borders with China, Russia, the Republic of Korea and adjacent waters.
Kim Jong un is designated head of state and Article 89 grants him sole nuclear command with delegation authority.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry released the revised constitution on May 6 2026, noting a two-state stance.

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