North Korea Revises Constitution: Removes Reunification Goal, Formalizes Nuclear Authority

In March 2026 the Supreme People’s Assembly approved a revised DPRK constitution that removes all language pledging peaceful reunification with South Korea, adds a territorial clause defining DPRK borders as land bordering China and Russia to the north and Republic of Korea to the south, and places command over nuclear forces in the hands of State Affairs Commission chairman Kim Jong Un. The amendment, disclosed by South Korea’s Unification Ministry in early May, follows Kim’s 2023-24 declaration that the two Koreas are “two hostile states.”

DPRK removes references to unification with South Korea from constitutionDW News[Editorial] North Korea’s rejection of unification doesn’t rule out coexistenceNorth Korea makes important changes to its constitutionIt has been belatedly confirmed that North Korea has effectively stipulated the relationship between. .

Article 2 defines DPRK territory, including waters and airspace. Article 89 assigns nuclear command to the State Affairs Commission chairman and permits delegation, creating a nuclear trigger. In April 2026 the North carried out four missile tests—the most in over two years—using tactical ballistic missiles with cluster-warhead and electronic-warfare payloads.

United Press International (UPI)

The removal of reunification language cements a two-state framework, limiting legal grounds for Korean-wide talks. Embedding nuclear command consolidates Kim’s control, raising security concerns and complicating U.S. non-proliferation policy; the vague border clause may spark future disputes.

North Korea amends constitution to drop reunification and declare separate state status

President Lee Jae-myung said the two countries are “destined to make the flowers of peace bloom” and urged talks. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service called the amendment a clear signal that Pyongyang will not abandon its nuclear programme. Kim’s earlier address labelled Seoul the “most hostile state.”

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Analysts warn that codifying a two-state doctrine and a nuclear-trigger clause could harden tensions. Yang Moo-jin said the amendment codifies a shift away from claims on South Korean territory.

North Korea adds territorial clause, expands nuclear powers

Sources differ on whether the constitution explicitly calls South Korea a “primary foe”; some note the omission, others cite Kim’s prior rhetoric. The text lacks a precise land or maritime border, leaving the Northern Limit Line undefined.

United Press International (UPI)

• “Various checks on the Chairman were removed, and authority over nuclear weapons use was delegated to the Chairman.” — Park Sun-won, ruling party lawmaker

Bloomberg

• “By deleting references related to unification, North Korea appears to have codified the message that it will no longer seek to claim South Korean territory,” — Yang Moo-jin, professor emeritus, University of North Korean Studies

North Korea drops goal of unification with South from constitution

• “absolutely no business dealing with South Korea... and will permanently exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots” — Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea

North Korea drops goal of unification with South from constitution

• “By removing phrases calling for reunification and limiting its territory to the northern half of the peninsula, North Korea’s new constitution makes clear that the South is no longer an official target for reunification,” — Cho Han-bum, senior research fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification

South China Morning Post

South Korean officials remain open to dialogue while monitoring border construction and missile activity. International observers will watch for further constitutional changes that could alter the DPRK’s nuclear posture or two-state approach.

Newsweek